AJBarner

News: 7 days agoBarner was rested for Seattle's 17-7 preseason loss to the Cowboys on Saturday.

Spin: Most of Seattle's starters sat out Saturday's preseason opener, with Barner among them. Backup TEs Elijah Arroyo, Nick Vannett and Nick Kallerup each had one catch Saturday, and Eric Saubert also is competing for a roster spot at the position. Barner seems entrenched atop the depth chart on the heels of a sophomore regular season in which he caught 52 of 68 targets for 519 receiving yards and six touchdowns, though Arroyo was a second-round pick in 2025 and is hoping to earn a larger role in his second season, much like Barner did a year ago.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Barner was a solid contributor for the Seattle offense last season. The 2024 fourth-round pick worked his way to the top of the depth chart, and although his overall volume was limited (20th among TEs in targets and yards), he found the end zone seven times and finished 14th in fantasy points (21st in PPG). The 24-year-old is a serviceable, short-range target for Sam Darnold, but even with some rushing worked in, his role in Seattle's low-volume passing offense won't allow much upside. In fact, it's possible he loses some targets to second-year TE Elijah Arroyo this season. Barner is a fringe TE2, at best.