Multiple Seahawks observers credited second-year TE Elijah Arroyo with a standout performance in Friday's workouts. His most celebrated catch came from third-string QB Jalen Milroe, but it doesn't sound like we should take that as a signal that Arroyo's buried on the depth chart.
What They're Saying: Arroyo Showing Out Early
Corbin K. Smith of Locked On Seahawks on Friday: "He has been as improved as any player from last year's team through the first six practices. ... Today he was the centerpiece of Seattle's offense. He was catching passes with all three quarterbacks. They were putting him out there for a ton of reps. He needs those reps, because he's still a somewhat unpolished player. ... I think he could be the biggest beneficiary of this offense because of Brian Fleury's tight end background. And I just think this offense is going to utilize that seam-stretching ability from him more than what Klint Kubiak did. ... He might be able to push AJ Barner for who's gonna get the most receptions."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Expect More Help for Seahawks Than Your Team
Arroyo brought exciting upside as a second-round pick last spring and garnered attention early in his first training camp as well.
It's not hard to imagine Seattle coaches wanting to get him more involved. Whether that can turn into a fantasy-relevant role is the real question. And the answer seems like probably not for this season.
Beyond Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks re-signed WR Rashid Shaheed this spring and plan to get him more involved than he was after last year's trade.
Seattle also returns TE AJ Barner, who ranked 16th among TEs in receptions last season. Barner's been working back from a pair of February surgeries but figures to remain plenty involved in the offense in his third pro season.
Be wary of Barner, who finished just 23rd at the position in PPR points per game last year. But also don't expect big numbers from Arroyo just yet. Both sit outside the top 24 across formats in our TE rankings.
Dynasty Impact: Arroyo More Interesting Long Term
Arroyo looks more worth stashing for the long term than in your redraft leagues. Multiple paths could lead to improved opportunity beyond 2026, including changes in roster personnel, coaching shifts, and/or Arroyo simply earning a larger role.
