The Athletic’s Andrew Destin believes Seahawks TE AJ Barner “will likely see an uptick in production, as should backup TE Elijah Arroyo” this year.

03 September 2026

Destin notes that new Seahawks OC Brian Fleury served as the 49ers’ TE coach for four seasons “and is expected to feature the position prominently.” Aside from that, and an increase in shifts and motion, he thinks the offense is “going to look very similar” to last year. Barner underwent two offseason surgeries, one of which was to address a nagging ankle injury that Barner said he initially suffered during the 2024 Senior Bowl before the Seahawks drafted him. After turning in the PPR TE14 performance last season, Barner might have a shot to crack the position’s top 12.