AJ Barner vs Mason Taylor: Who Should You Start?
AJ Barner and Mason Taylor are both viable fantasy tight ends heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. AJ Barner averaged 7.1 PPG across 17 games with the Seattle Seahawks, while Mason Taylor posted 5.1 PPG in 13 appearances for the New York Jets.
A 2.0-PPG gap gives AJ Barner the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. AJ Barner had 52 catches for 519 yards; Mason Taylor posted 44 for 369. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.
One scheduling note: AJ Barner is off Week 10 and Mason Taylor Week 12. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in tight end for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
