Barner Might Be…

[chrispy]

TE position in 26/7 will see a huge change. The expectations around positional responsibilities and production will make a step-change with Fleury. There may be TEs on the roster that are ok mid-tier players but can't make the jump. I think it's reasonable to predict Barner can and will, but he's never been the key #1 option on a large section of the playback. It'll be fun to watch it play out. He will have lots of Kittle-plays that could elevate him to the "great" category within a few years. But he'll need to get better at the finer points.... Arroyo will have a chance too but probably has a steeper climb. Saubert can, hopefully, be the coach on the field but for all that to fit together is not quick/immediate. It might be similar to the run-game last season: pretty frustrating early but progressing to championship-level by late season. If that's to be, Barner will need to approach his job like JSN did last season. Objectively, I think we can say the pieces are in place, but that's merely an opportunity, not a guarantee.

 

[Seahwkgal]

I’m very biased because I watched him play his entire tenure at Michigan. When we drafted him I knew we got a stud football player and he’s proving it. AJ Barner

 

[TeamoftheCentury]

He's already one of my favorite all-time Seahawks. This guy is the epitome of what every franchise wants playing for them and contributing each week on and off the field.

As far as his potential? Lookout...

 

[LeveeBreak]

I’m very biased because I watched him play his entire tenure at Michigan. When we drafted him I knew we got a stud football player and he’s proving it. AJ Barner

I don’t mean this disrespectfully, if I was a chick, AJ’d be damn attractive. Fun personality, star athlete, good lookin dude, millionaire in his early 20’s, and skyrocketing potential.

He’s got it goin’ on.

 

[TeamoftheCentury]

I’m very biased because I watched him play his entire tenure at Michigan. When we drafted him I knew we got a stud football player and he’s proving it. AJ Barner

I am a freaking draft geek and the long timers here know I have a successful history. Having said that, I was wrong about Barner. He's going to be better than I ever expect and glad that the Seahawks brass are not secret following me. Lol

 

[Chevy]

 

[evergreen]

How can you not love the Drake?!

I see what you did there... Everybody loves the Drake.

 

[ivotuk]

Bump and Stacy asked Steve Wyche if AJ Barner would be a Top 5 TE in the league (Maybe they read this thread?) and Steve replied "Yes."

Hour 2: NFL Network’s Steve Wyche on the Seahawks standing in the NFC

Bump and Stacy are joined by NFL Network chief national reporter Steve Wyche to get his thoughts on the biggest moves in the first week of free agency, where the Seahawks currently stand in the NFC, and how the national perception of Sam Darnold has changes since Super Bowl LX,

They answer your questions about the return of Brady Russell in Four Down Territory, they discuss the premiere of NFL Films’ 2025 Super Bowl champion Seahawks season highlight movie in the Timeline, and they break down the realities of the Seahawks attempt to repeat as champions next season.

Published: Thursday, March 12, 2026 | Runtime: 43:24

Podcast Player - Seattle Sports

sports.mynorthwest.com

 

[classicaaron]

i think hes a stud and will 100% be the best TE in franchise history. that bar isnt very high but i think he can be a top TE in the league the next few years.