AJ Barner has stunningly redefined the Seahawks tight end position

AJ Barner of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates | Brooke Sutton/GettyImagesThe development of AJ Barner from pleasant surprise in his rookie season to emerging star in his sophomore campaign has been one of the key components of the Seattle Seahawks’ improved offense in 2025.

He has been somewhat overshadowed by the mercurial Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the ups and downs of Sam Darnold, and the seesaw running attack of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. But through it all, Barner has remained a very steady presence, both as a blocker and as a receiver.

That wasn’t necessarily in the cards when John Schneider chose the University of Michigan star in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. Though he had…