Seattle, Washington — Every offseason creates unexpected opportunities, and few Seahawks players may be positioned to benefit more from Seattle's coaching changes than one rising offensive weapon.
As the Seahawks begin a new chapter under offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, attention has largely focused on quarterbacks, wide receivers, and the evolution of the offense.
But behind the scenes, many believe second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo could emerge as one of the biggest breakout candidates on the roster.

The 6-foot-5 playmaker entered the NFL with enormous potential after an explosive final season at Miami, where his combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him one of college football's most dangerous receiving tight ends.
Seattle selected Arroyo in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft believing he possessed the tools to become a major part of the offense for years to come.
However, his rookie season never fully provided the opportunity many expected.
Playing behind veteran AJ Barner, Arroyo appeared in 13 games and finished with 15 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown while seeing limited offensive snaps throughout much of the year.
The arrival of Brian Fleury may change everything.
Before becoming Seattle's offensive coordinator, Fleury earned a reputation as one of the league's most respected tight end coaches, helping develop multiple players at the position throughout his NFL career.
That experience is one reason analysts believe Arroyo could become one of the primary beneficiaries of Seattle's offensive transition.
Unlike traditional tight ends who operate mostly near the line of scrimmage, Arroyo possesses rare movement skills that allow him to stretch defenses vertically and create difficult matchups against both linebackers and safeties.
His athletic profile gives Seattle something unique.
And in today's NFL, unique weapons often become featured weapons.
Another factor working in Arroyo's favor is the expectation that the Seahawks will utilize more two-tight-end formations during the upcoming season.
Last year, AJ Barner played the overwhelming majority of snaps at the position, leaving limited opportunities for other tight ends to establish meaningful roles.
That could look very different in 2026.
The Seahawks believe Barner and Arroyo bring complementary skill sets capable of creating problems for opposing defenses.
Barner provides physicality, toughness, and reliability.
Arroyo brings explosiveness, speed, and big-play potential.
Together, they could become one of the most versatile tight end combinations in the NFC.
Inside the organization, there is growing optimism that Arroyo is ready for a larger role after spending a full offseason developing both physically and mentally.
The talent has never been questioned.
The opportunity may finally be arriving.
As Seattle prepares to defend its championship status, few players will enter training camp with more momentum than the young tight end.
And if Brian Fleury's offense unfolds the way many expect, Elijah Arroyo may soon become one of the most important weapons in the Seahawks' pursuit of another Super Bowl run.






