When AJ Barner joined the league, he was determined to shake off the “blocking tight end” tag many had given him. He wanted to show everyone he could do more.
Coach Macdonald recognizes that Barner, much like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, has big dreams for his game. “We always believed he could be an elite tight end,” he said. “He’s proving that he can be a real threat on the field. This is crucial for our offense.”
In a recent game, Barner caught 3 passes for 43 yards and scored a touchdown. One of his catches was especially important, converting a third-and-9 to set up another touchdown.
Smith-Njigba praised him, saying, “AJ has been a clutch player for us this year. We have a lot of talent, and it’s exciting to see him make key plays.”
Barner was the team’s second-leading receiver in that game, just behind Smith-Njigba. Quarterback Sam Darnold expressed his confidence in Barner, noting, “He does a lot that might not show up in stats, but he’s vital in the passing game. He really stepped up.”
This season, Barner has caught 50 passes for 505 yards, scoring six touchdowns. His teammate, Dareke Young, noted his drive, saying, “He’s always looking to improve, and that’s inspiring for all of us.”
Barner’s rise shows how talent can shine through when given the chance. With the current NFL season seeing more tight ends contributing to their teams, Barner is a prime example of this shift. According to the NFL, tight ends accounted for over 15% of all passing yards this season, reflecting their growing importance in the game.
As fans and players alike watch his journey, Barner continues to redefine what a tight end can be.
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