Until proven otherwise, the Seattle Seahawks are Jaxon Smith-Njigba's team. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has emerged as one of the most explosive playmakers in the game, and he'll be the focal point of the passing game in 2026.
However, with a new offensive coordinator in town, other players might also get their fair share of opportunities at Lumen Field. Brian Fleury will keep most of Klint Kubiak's schemes, but he'll add his own tweaks.
Notably, that might be great news for AJ Barner. Fleury has an extensive background working with tight ends, and after watching what he's accomplished with George Kittle, there are reasons to feel excited about a third-year workout. When asked about that, Barner made sure to raise the bar for himself.
AJ Barner might finally break out for the Seattle Seahawks
"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," Barner told the Seahawks. "...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 has been with the team through their offseason workouts, but he has yet to partake in any drills. He underwent two surgeries shortly after Super Bowl LX, and while he's reportedly expected to be back to full strength for training camp, the team hasn't even addressed what surgery he underwent or what injury might be bothering him.
He dealt with elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle, calf, and hip injuries, so there's plenty to choose from. Even so, he still started every regular-season and playoff game for Mike Macdonald's team, hauling in 58 receptions for 586 yards and seven touchdowns and 11 carries for 16 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Barner started less than half of the games as a rookie before becoming a mainstay in Kubiak's offense. Of course, he didn't get that draw that much attention, with JSN, Cooper Kupp, and the running back tandem of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet drawing most eyeballs.
Now, with Fleury calling the shots, it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see him draw multiple scripted touches early and often. Fleury has worked with the San Francisco 49ers' tight ends since 2022, helping George Kittle earn three All-Pro selections and four consecutive Pro Bowl nods.
Of course, Kittle has always been known for his playmaking skills, and expecting Barner to draw 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in a season might be wishful thinking. That said, Fleury should find more ways to get Barner involved in the passing game, especially in the end zone.
There are valid reasons to be worried about the Seahawks' new-look offense. Regardless of his familiarity with the West Coast offense, Fleury has never called plays, and he might be a huge downgrade after having such a bright young mind like Kubiak's.
That said, change isn't always bad, and this should be a seamless transition. If he can help Sam Darnold keep his composure and not put the ball in harm's way, and if the running game is as efficient as it was last season, there's no reason to believe this team won't be as explosive as it was last season, especially if Barner puts his money where his mouth is.
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