The Seattle Seahawks were heavily criticized this offseason for letting some of their key components from their Super Bowl-winning team walk out the door. The biggest loss was from offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who left to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
All of the praise of the offense’s production and quarterback Sam Darnold turned into questions again. Those doubts continued as the Seahawks hired Brian Fleury as the new offensive coordinator.
After a few weeks of training camp, it feels like national media outlets are starting to believe in Fleury. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler appeared at one of the Seahawks’ practices to feel the vibe and to answer any questions about the team’s ability to compete. After just one practice, Fleury is respected. There are still some attributes that the national media still don’t understand, but will when the season kicks off.
The Two-Tight-End Sets Won’t Be Simple
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Seahawks will utilize considerable similarities from last season. Among them is the multiple tight ends being utilized, often on the field at the same time. Fowler believes A.J Barner is an ascending tight end going into his third year in the league.
That could be said for second-year Elijah Arroyo, who could be utilized as a fast, deep-route pass-catcher. He found himself in big moments before his injury.
Arroyo has been one of the biggest risers in this training camp. He has been a constant efficient target throughout the field as he could be a player for quarterback Sam Darnold after wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Kubiak utilized multiple tight ends on the field, but mostly in the run game. This made the offense more predictable, but with the way that Fleury is a tight end developer and how he wants to make the offense more unique, Barner and Arroyo could be a significant boost for the Seahawks.
The Seahawks’ Offense is Going to be More Dynamic Than Anticipated
Jul 25, 2026; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during training camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Kubiak was regarded as one of the best offensive minds last season. What many experts didn’t understand was that he was more efficient at utilizing a player’s best attributes. With JSN, it was incredible route-running and separation skills. What Fleury has shown to do just in these training camp practices alone is to utilize multiple unique offensive schemes.
This is going to be a big factor for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, who had his first full offseason with the Seahawks. He looked to develop great chemistry with Darnold. This dynamic has Shaheed all over the field, including the backfield. The new offensive schemes allow receivers like JSN, Shaheed, Cooper Kupp and Tory Horton to run multiple different routes.​
Darnold is going to be the player who benefits the most with Fleury as the offensive coordinator. The offense is going to be unique and dynamic enough to open the field to many playmakers. JSN has the potential to have another explosive season, but he doesn’t need to be to ensure the offense is among the top scoring units for another season.
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