Tight end AJ Barner of the Seattle Seahawks has yet to participate on the field this offseason. But that hasn’t stopped Barner from placing high expectations on himself entering 2026.
Barner shared his lofty goals for the upcoming NFL season while speaking to the media during the first week of June.
“I expect myself to be one of the best tight ends in the league, and I think I’ve played up to that standard, not consistently maybe throughout the whole season, but definitely have done that,” said Barner, via Seahawks.com’s John Boyle. “I hold myself to a high standard, and the goal is to win championships and play in big games, and also bring that same mindset to training camp when I’m back out there with the guys. That’s how I’m feeling.
“I think I can take it to another level, and I think it’s going to make my job hopefully easier and my process leading up to gameday that much easier.”
Barner broke out during his second NFL season last fall. In 17 regular season contests, he had 52 catches, 519 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
But clearly, the 24-year-old tight end sees more for himself as the Seahawks try to defend their Super Bowl title this fall.
Seahawks’ AJ Barner Puts NFL on Notice
GettySeattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner shared his expectations for the 2026 NFL season at offseason workouts.
On one hand, Barner’s comments weren’t exactly breaking news. Most NFL players expect themselves to be better every season and among the best at their position.
But it’s still a strong message for someone like Barner. While he broke out with his first 50-catch, 500-yard season in 2025, Barner was still outside the top 15 at his position in receptions and receiving yards.
In other words, he has a long way to go to be among the best pass-catching tight ends in the league.
He has the talent, though, to be in that conversation. For Barner, it might just be a matter of staying healthy.
Barner Underwent 2 Offseason Surgeries
GettySeattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner told reporters he underwent two offseason surgeries.
In addition to setting high expectations for himself, Barner told reporters when he spoke to them he had two surgeries this offseason.
Barner didn’t get specific on what injuries the two surgeries addressed. Boyle wrote on June 4 the tight end dealt with hip, elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle and calf issues throughout the 2025 campaign.
But the tight end never missed a game, waiting until after the Super Bowl to get surgery.
“Y’all saw what it was during the season,” Barner said. “It’s stuff that I’ve been dealing with, honestly for my whole pro career. I’m somebody that, no matter how I’m feeling, I’m going to play, just like a lot of other guys in our locker room. So I’m definitely feeling better, it’s definitely still a process to get back out there, but by the time training camp rolls around, I’m going to be ready to go.”
With Barner feeling a lot better this spring, it’s not surprising he feels capable of delivering more in 2026.
Even while playing banged up, Barner was second for the Seahawks with 52 catches and six receiving touchdowns last season. His 68 targets and 519 receiving yards were third on the team as well.
He could have the opportunity for more with better health this fall.
In 34 career games, Barner has posted 82 receptions and 764 receiving yards. He’s averaged 9.3 yards per catch with 10 receiving touchdowns as well.
On the ground, he’s rushed for 14 yards and an additional score.
The Seahawks are hosting their mandatory minicamp from June 9-11. After that, the organization won’t have another team activity until training camp in July.
Seahawks’ AJ Barner Delivers Strong Message to NFL Ahead of 2026 Campaign