As Seattle Seahawks fans everywhere know, tight end AJ Barner is so much more than just a glorified member of the offensive line. He might have been drafted by the team out of Michigan for his blocking ability, but he's become so much more.
Barner has developed into a very good receiver, one who might be used even more in new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's scheme. This would equate to Barner eventually getting paid when his rookie deal is up, and what the Jacksonville Jaguars just did with one of their players is likely going to make Barner quite happy.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Jaguars signed tight end Brenton Strange to a three-year extension worth as much as $48 million. $25 million of which is guaranteed.
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is likely loving what the Jaguars did with Brenton Strange
Strange was a second-round selection in 2023, and he's been fine in the league. He's a solid blocker and a relatively productive receiver. He is coming off his best statistical season with 46 catches, 540 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. Those don't appear to be the numbers to get a player paid $16 million a season, but in Strange's case, they were.
The issue for Seattle (and, to be fair, it is a very good problem to have) is that once the team can start working out an extension with Barner, he might want even more than Strange because he's earned it. Those talks could begin next offseason, just before the tight end's final current season on his rookie contract.
In raw receiving production, AJ Barner is better than Brenton Strange. Last season, Barner caught 52 passes for 519 yards, but scored six times. He also had 30 catches and four touchdowns in his first season. In last season's Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots, Barner had four catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. He didn't wilt in the biggest game of his career.
New OC Fleury also comes from a San Francisco 49ers system that likes to get the most out of its tight ends. Fleury will do that with Barner, as well as second-year pro Elijah Arroyo. Barner having at least 60 catches and nearly 700 yards receiving, plus six or more touchdowns, might be the floor of what should be expected from him in 2026.
If that happens, Barner's agent is going to make things tough for the Seattle Seahawks when extension talks begin. General manager John Schneider will probably be just fine with that.
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