Seattle's tight ends were presumably going to have a much larger role in Klint Kubiak's offense this season, "Certainly I love playing with a fullback like being in 21 (two backs, one tight end) and 12 (one back, two tight ends) personnel," Kubiak said in his introductory press conference in February.
And Seahawks second-year tight end AJ Barner was going to be part of that offensive scheme already, but after the Seahawks released veteran tight end Noah Fant on Sunday, Barner said he's embracing the opportunity this brings.
"Unfortunately [that's] part of the league," Barner said on Fant's release. "Noah [Fant] was always great to me when he was here. Really, really talented player, but the show goes on and honestly, big opportunity for myself and the rest of the guys in the room."
Right now, that tight end room consists of Barner, Elijah Arroyo, the second-round rookie out of Miami, free agent signee Eric Saubert and a pair of undrafted rookies, Marshall Lang and Nick Kallerup.
On Wednesday, head coach Mike Macdonald said there wasn't any formal conversation with the tight end room but rather, "It's just understood that what we're trying to achieve as a football team. And we love Noah, we wish him the best, but we also love the guys that are still here. They know what's at stake and it's going to be a lot of fun watching that competition at tight end."
AJ Barner had an impressive rookie season, one that saw him record a reception in 13 consecutive games, the longest streak by a rookie tight end in franchise history and finished the season with 30 receptions for 245 yards and four touchdowns.
Coming out of Michigan and during his pre-draft process, he says he felt "pigeonholed," by people who thought he was just a blocking tight end.
"The organization, the Seahawks, ever since I got here, they've really believed in me," Barner said. "I feel like as soon as I got here, I really felt the belief in me from the organization."
Now he has the opportunity, now more than before, to show just what he's capable of.
Barner said, "I can do the run block, the pass block, the catching the ball," and this season one goal is to put together a "full game, 50-plus snaps together of really, really good football."
He later added, "Just continue to build off what I did last year and just know that there's going to be more opportunities as long as I do what I should."
Looking ahead to what this position group could mean to Seattle's offense, Barner said, "Massive. We're tone setters. 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."
Seahawks players participated in their second practice of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Amari Kight (79) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Federico Maranges (62) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Steven Sims (84) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff (50) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II (32) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety AJ Finley (30) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff (50) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) and running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (55) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Josh Ross (47) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety AJ Finley (30) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25), running back George Holani (36) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25), running back George Holani (36) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts (40) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Steven Sims (84) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyrone Broden (85) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Federico Maranges (62) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5), long snapper Chris Stoll (41) and punter Michael Dickson (4) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey (51) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Bryce Cabeldue (77) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Damien Martinez (22) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Zach Charbonnet (26) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on day two of training camp on July 24, 2025 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
