Throughout the offseason and now in training camp, players have emphasized how different this offensive scheme feels compared to last year. Under Klint Kubiak the offense figures to “run the damn ball,” and get the tight ends more involved than in past seasons.
The tight end trio of eight-year veteran Eric Saubert, AJ Barner and rookie Elijah Arroyo will be an integral part of making the offense come to life.
"We're heavily relied on to do a lot of things right?" Saubert said. "It's a lot of responsibilities on our plate. We got to be on point in the run game as well as the pass game. So when you have that role, whether or not you, you're catching a pass, you're contributing at the point of attack, you're helping move the chains."
And then throwing in Brady Russell, who is on the roster as a fullback, after making the switch from tight end during the offseason but has been used as a tight end for most of training camp so far.
Macdonald said, "I think what Brady brings to the table is he can do fullback stuff, and he can do tight end stuff, and that makes you more multiple on offense and how you can formation stuff."
Saubert and Arroyo both got in some reps during the first preseason game and Macdonald said, "I thought they showed up. I thought they were physical, I thought they finished plays. The exciting thing was you felt them on special teams, the physicality. I think we've got a great room. Mack (Brown) is doing a tremendous job with those guys. They're kind of the silent engine of what we're doing on offense, too. We ask a lot of those guys, and I think they're playing good football for us."
The different uses of tight ends in Kubiak's offense will provide Seattle with versatility, whether that be blocking or pass catching.
"We're tone setters," Barner said of the tight end room. "I think of Spoon (Devon Witherspoon) on the defensive side, that's how I want my role and the rest of the tight ends to be. We're bringing juice, we're setting the tone and playing defense, but on offense with the ball in our hands and blocking."
For Barner and Arroyo, they have Saubert to look to when they have questions, and Saubert having experience in a Kubiak-adjacent offense, provides the kind of veteran leadership that two young players can benefit from.
"I think they've all done a really good job," quarterback Sam Darnold said on the tight ends. "I think (Eric) Saubert being kind of the older guy in the room and he was in San Francisco last year. He kind of has a good understanding of what we're doing here and what we're trying to get done. So, him pushing those guys to get things dialed, because as you guys know, tight ends — they're dialed in the run game, they're in the pass game as well. So, they've got a lot of things that they've got to understand and learn before the season comes around. I think to have a guy like that is crucial. But yeah, AJ (Barner), Elijah (Arroyo), all of those guys in there have been doing a great job."
Saubert has openly taken on that role.
"I've been a lot of places where the role is kind of similar, but really accepting a veteran presence in the tight end room and role model leadership role for them and then on top of that, contributing in any way I can, whether it be in the run game, pass game, special teams. It's like just being really versatile and open to any role that is given to me."
On Saubert, Macdonald said, "He doesn't feel like a guy that we just picked up for a year or whatever. It feels like he's a true Seahawk, so that's exciting."
For the rookie, Arroyo, he's been taking notes on Saubert and trying to learn as much as he can.
"That is the guy right there," he said. "That is the vet. He has also been in the league for a minute now. I have been following him around trying to get his after-practice routine and trying to figure out ways to get my body right. I want to ultimately play in this league for a long time as well."
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman was in attendance as the team practiced in front of the 12s on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Marshall Lang (49) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyreke Smith (59) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks coach Leslie Frazier at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) and linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) and defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle J.R. Singleton (70) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Luke Felix-Fualalo (73) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jalan Gaines (56) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) and defensive tackle Anthony Campbell (93) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Anthony Campbell (93) and offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and safety Nick Emmanwori (3) at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Anthony Tyus III (35) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Luke Felix-Fualalo (73) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Kam Alexander (35) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright (31) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) and defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) and running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) and wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) and safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) and cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight ends coach Mack Brown at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight ends coach Mack Brown at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight ends coach Mack Brown at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman with wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman with wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman with wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman with wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and head coach Mike Macdonald at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks Legend Richard Sherman at practice on August 10, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
