A.J. Barner Stats: Seahawks TE's Rise to NFL Stardom

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where every catch and block can shift the momentum of a game, Seattle Seahawks tight end A.J. Barner is quietly carving out a reputation as one of the league's most versatile players. Selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan, Barner has evolved from a prototypical blocking tight end into a multifaceted weapon in Seattle's revamped offense. As the 2025 season wraps up, his stats tell a compelling story of growth, grit, and potential superstardom. Let's dive into the numbers, his journey, and what lies ahead for this Cleveland native.

Breaking Down A.J. Barner's 2025 Stats

Barner's sophomore campaign with the Seahawks was nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the team's offensive overhaul. In 2025, he recorded 53 receptions, placing him second on the team behind only the top wide receivers. Those catches translated to 519 receiving yards, good for third on the Seahawks' leaderboard, and a team-high six receiving touchdowns – a figure that underscores his growing role as a red-zone threat.

But Barner's impact extends beyond the passing game. As a run blocker, he was instrumental in creating lanes for Seattle's ground attack, contributing to a scheme that emphasized 12 and 13 personnel groupings. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Barner earned a blocking grade of 78.4, ranking him among the top 10 tight ends league-wide in run-blocking efficiency. His overall snap count jumped to 82% from 2024's 67%, reflecting head coach Mike Macdonald's trust in his all-around abilities.

Over his first two NFL seasons (2024-2025), Barner's cumulative stats paint an even brighter picture: 89 receptions, 912 yards, and 9 touchdowns. These numbers are impressive for a player who was projected as a mid-round pick due to his blocking prowess rather than receiving upside. In 2024, his rookie year, Barner notched 36 catches for 393 yards and 3 TDs, showing steady improvement year-over-year.

Key Highlights from the 2025 Season

• Receptions: 53 (2nd on Seahawks)
• Receiving Yards: 519 (3rd on Seahawks, avg. 9.8 yards per catch)
• Touchdowns: 6 (team lead among TEs)
• Yards After Catch (YAC): 214, showcasing his elusiveness
• Run-Blocking Snaps: 312, with a 92% success rate in short-yardage situations

These stats aren't just filler; they're the foundation of Seattle's identity shift under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Moving away from the spread-heavy 11-personnel sets of former coordinator Ryan Grubb, the Seahawks leaned into heavy formations that maximized tight ends like Barner, Noah Fant, and Dallas Goedert (acquired mid-season). This approach created mismatches, forcing defenses to adjust personnel and opening up the run game – where Seattle ranked 8th in rushing yards per game at 128.4.

From Michigan Backup to Seahawks Star

Barner's college career at Michigan was defined by his role as the reliable backup to Colston Loveland, the 2024 first-round pick who now stars for the Los Angeles Rams. In three seasons with the Wolverines (2021-2023), Barner amassed 58 receptions for 642 yards and 4 touchdowns, but his true value shone in the trenches. He was a key part of Michigan's national championship run in 2023, where his blocking helped pave the way for Blake Corum's Heisman-caliber performance.

Drafted 118th overall in 2024, Barner arrived in Seattle with questions about his receiving skills. Skeptics labeled him a "blocking-only" tight end, but Barner silenced doubters early. In his rookie preseason game, he hauled in a 28-yard touchdown, signaling his potential. By mid-2024, he was earning starts, and into 2025, he became a staple in Kubiak's system – a scheme inspired by the Shanahan tree, emphasizing motion and play-action to exploit tight end versatility.

In a recent interview with Field Gulls, Barner reflected on this evolution: "I continue to grow in all facets of my game, but hopefully soon we’re going to be talking about me as one of the best tight ends in the league." His confidence is backed by film study; he's modeled his game after division rival George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers and hometown hero Travis Kelce, both of whom hail from the Cleveland area like Barner.

Influences and Rivalries in a Stacked NFC West

The NFC West is a tight end's nightmare – or dream, depending on your perspective. With Kittle's bruising style in San Francisco, Trey McBride's athleticism in Arizona, and Dallas Goedert now in Seattle, Barner faces elite competition weekly. Yet, he thrives in it. "I’ve got a lot of respect for George Kittle just being in the division," Barner said. "Those guys have been doing it at a high level for a really long time."

Barner's own flair adds personality: His "Barnstomp" celebration – a stomping dance mimicking a barn animal – has gone viral after key scores, endearing him to Seahawks fans. And in short-yardage packages, he's a proponent of "The Barnyard," a tush-push variant that's become a Seahawks staple, much to the NFL's ongoing debate over banning such plays.

The Future: Elite Status on the Horizon?

As Super Bowl 60 approaches (with Seattle as a dark horse at +2500 odds), Barner's stats position him for a breakout postseason. Analysts project him as a Pro Bowl candidate in 2026, especially if the Seahawks extend his rookie deal early. At 24 years old, Barner's prime is just beginning. His combination of 4.62 speed (from the combine), soft hands, and mean streak in the run game makes him a prototype for the modern NFL tight end.

League-wide, tight ends like Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers are redefining the position, and Barner fits right in. Seattle's investment in him – including targeted offseason training on route-running – signals long-term commitment. If he maintains this trajectory, conversations about him joining the Kittle-Kelce echelon won't be hyperbole; they'll be reality.

In an era where offenses crave versatility, A.J. Barner's stats aren't just numbers – they're the blueprint for a Seahawks resurgence. Keep an eye on No. 88; the NFL's next great tight end might already be here.

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