Seahawks TE AJ Barner Aiming to Turn ‘Obsession’ Into All-Pro Trajectory
Nothing elevates an NFL player’s profile more than winning a Super Bowl, the most prestigious sporting event in the world.
Just ask AJ Barner, who happily basked in the limelight as much as anyone on the Seattle Seahawks during the run to their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. Capping off a stellar sophomore season in style, the young tight end scored Seattle’s only offensive touchdown in a 29-13 win over New England at Levis Stadium on the receiving end of a 16-yard toss from Sam Darnold and became a folk hero of sorts with his wild, energized antics throughout the team’s Super Bowl parade a few short days later.
To the delight of the 12s in attendance, Barner soaked up every second as the team paraded downtown, but the celebration came with a firm expiration date for him. The former fourth round pick out of Michigan had been battling through various injuries to close out the season that needed to be cleaned up and in the days following the parade, he underwent a pair of surgeries for undisclosed ailments, quickly shifting his attention towards getting right for the 2026 season with more goals to chase down in front of him.
“You go from winning the Super Bowl, doing the parade, to getting two surgeries the next week. People don't really get to see that,” Barner said following Seattle’s first open minicamp practice earlier this month. “It was awesome to reach that pinnacle, but it's like, all right, now I gotta go back, kind of back to the woods, go into the dark, and go get right. So that's kind of the mindset that I've had.”
Three-Year Outlook: Seahawks in Great Shape for Present, Future Offensively
As the calendar flips to April and the 2026 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves in the heat of the offseason, continuing to look into ways to improve their roster scanning the free agent market along with wrapping up draft evaluations while also exploring extensions to retain several of their top players.
While building the best roster for the upcoming season remains the top goal with eyes on defending their Super Bowl title, Seahawks general manager John Schneider also has to be cognizant of the future, making every decision in regard to free agency, extensions, and the draft with a multi-year window in mind.
Now less than a month away from the draft, how does Seattle’s offense look for both the present and the future?
AJ Barner Takes Star Turn as Perfect ‘Seahawks’ Tight End
The Seattle Seahawks certainly have come a long way since the Jimmy Graham trade.
Many 12s see that trade, made in March of 2015, as the beginning of the end of the Legion of Boom era. Where the Seahawks got away from who they truly were and chased shiny objects instead. While Graham wasn’t necessarily bad in Seattle (he is Seattle’s franchise leader in receiving yards and touchdowns for a tight end), it certainly marked a period where they lacked a true identity.
That identity is back. Hard-nosed, physical football lead by defense and selfless play.
AJ Barner is a fantastic posterchild for what the 2025 Seahawks stood for.
Five Distinct Advantages the Seahawks Have in Super Bowl LX
The Seahawks have one more game remaining, the much-awaited rematch against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. Nothing is certain until the downs are played, but what are the Hawks’ key advantages going into the Big Game?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is Headliner of Seahawks’ Passing Attack, Not the Whole Act
Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving yards despite playing in an offense that ranked middle of the pack in pass attempts in 2025. But that doesn’t mean this offense is a one-trick pony going into Super Bowl LX.
‘Job is Not Done’: Seahawks’ Vets Preaching Same Approach for Youthful Squad Entering Playoffs
One of the youngest teams in the NFL, the Seahawks’ youth could be viewed as a potential concern going into a win or go home Divisional Round rematch against the 49ers. But a strong core of veterans doesn’t envision that being a problem at an energized Lumen Field.
Top-Seeded Seahawks’ Ground Attack Coming Alive at Perfect Time
Keying the franchise’s quick ascent to Super Bowl contender, after a slow start in Klint Kubiak’s offense early in the fall, Ken Walker, Zach Charbonnet, and a rapidly improving offensive line have the Seahawks armed and ready to make noise in January.
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks Relegate 49ers’ Offense Punch-less, Win NFC West With 13-3 Victory
Despite not capitalizing on a couple of promising drives with any points, the Seahawks had plenty of margin for error on the way to an NFC West title as a suffocating defense put on a clinic shutting down the 49ers. How did Seattle get it done at Levis Stadium?
Comparing Rivals: How Do Seahawks, 49ers’ Offenses Stack Up Against Each Other?
Orchestrating similar, yet not identical offensive schemes, the Seahawks and 49ers have been among the NFL’s best at putting points on the board in 2025. Which team has the edge at each offensive position group heading into the NFC West title game on Saturday?
Report Card: Top Performers in Seahawks’ 27-10 Road Win Over Panthers
Turnovers and clutch plays fueled a second half surge that led the Seahawks past the Panthers in Charlotte, keeping Mike Macdonald’s squad atop the NFC standings. Who shined brightest in Seattle’s sixth straight win?
It’s Time To Recognize Seahawks’ AJ Barner as NFL’s Most Underrated Tight End
While he may not be a household name just yet, the Seahawks have found themselves a budding star at the tight end position in AJ Barner at the perfect time in the perfect offense.
Third Down Mastery Helps Seahawks Tame Panthers, Puts Team on Brink of NFC’s Top Seed
Far from clicking on all cylinders, at least on offense, the Seahawks found yet another way to earn an NFL win on Sunday by dominating on money downs, maintaining their spot as the NFC’s top seed with a week to play.
Rapid Reaction: Run Game, Stifling Defense Leads Seahawks to 27-10 Win in Carolina
Playing physical, downhill football and leaning on a rising star tight end, the Seahawks turned the page on a sloppy first half to pull away from the Panthers in the second half, once again dominating on defense to get to win No. 13 and stay atop the NFC standings.
Resilient Seahawks Flex Skill Position Talent in Improbable Comeback to Stun Rams in OT
Backs against the wall and on the wrong side of a 30-7 scoring run by the Rams, the Seahawks had every reason to fold on Thursday night. But impressive distribution to all of their playmakers down the stretch paved the way for a historic comeback to clinch a playoff spot.
‘We Got to Do Better Job’: Seahawks’ Slumping Offense Remains Concern Despite Win vs. Colts
For just the fourth time in franchise history, the Seahawks willed themselves to a win on Sunday despite failing to score an offensive touchdown. But the victory may have created more questions than answers for an offense that has been bogged down for a month.
Comparing Rivals: How Do Seahawks, Rams’ Offenses Stack Up Against Each Other?
Racing out to 7-2 starts, the Seahawks and Rams have put a ton of points on the board behind their star quarterbacks, talented receiving corps, and improved offensive lines. Where does each team hold an edge going into Sunday’s first matchup at SoFi Stadium?
Keys to Victory: How Seahawks Can Sweep Cardinals in Week 10 Rematch
With both teams battling through a bunch of injuries, the Seahawks and Cardinals will have some new faces set to make an impact as they battle for the second time in seven weeks. What must Seattle do to earn a season sweep against its rival for the second straight year?
Progress Report: How Have Seahawks’ Offensive Position Groups Fared Through 7 Games?
Ranking fifth in points per game, the Seahawks have eclipsed expectations amid a 5-2 start to the 2025 season thanks to Sam Darnold’s brilliance and an improving offensive line, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement heading into the bye week.
Rapid Reaction: Byron Murphy II, Seahawks Eek Out 20-12 Road Win in Jacksonville
In an otherwise sleep-inducing punt fest, the Seahawks received just enough explosives from Sam Darnold and the offense coupled with a feisty pass rush to fend off the Jaguars for a satisfying eight-point road victory.
Report Card: Top Performers in Seahawks’ 38-35 Loss to Buccaneers
Offensively, the Seahawks put up plenty of fireworks on Sunday, but it wasn’t enough to hold on for a Week 5 win as the Buccaneers escaped with a 38-35 victory. Which players stood out for Seattle in defeat?
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