AJ Barner: Everything you need to know

Barner (undisclosed) is expected to be ready for training camp, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports. The team has been vague on what Barner underwent his pair of surgeries for, but the tight end dealt with hip, elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle and calf injuries in the latter half of last season and into the playoffs. Despite the nagging issues, Barner started all 17 regular-season games, producing a 52-519-6 line on 68 targets. He added another six catches for 67 yards and one touchdown across three playoff contests.

Barner (undisclosed) is not participating in OTAs on Wednesday while recovering from what Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald alluded to as offseason procedures, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports. Barner played through shoulder and ankle injuries last season, but he nonetheless suited up for all 17 regular-season games while totaling a 52-519-6 line on 68 targets. The 2024 fourth-rounder also operated as the TE1 for all three of the Seahawks' postseason games. Macdonald said Barner will "probably" be available for training camp and is "itching to get out there." With Barner sidelined for OTAs, however, 2025 second-round pick Elijah Arroyo has reportedly impressed and begun taking a step forward in his development. While Barner remains No. 1 tight end for Seattle's offense entering the 2026 campaign, it's possible Arroyo will earn an increased target share in Year 2.

Barner caught all four targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-13 win over the Patriots in the Super Bowl. All four of Barner's catches went for first downs, and he finished second on the team in receiving yards behind Cooper Kupp (61). Barner's first postseason touchdown -- a 16-yard reception where he was wide open -- essentially put the game away for the Seahawks in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks trusted the second-year tight end with blocking and pass-catching duties all season, and he finished with 58 receptions for 586 yards and seven touchdowns across 20 games, including the postseason. He should be the leader for the No. 1 tight-end role in 2026 despite the addition of Elijah Arroyo -- a second-round pick in 2025.