Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely sent a strong signal about his 2026 free agency intentions during a recent interview, making it clear he wants a bigger role and more targets to showcase his full potential as a top-tier TE1.
Jan 29, 2026; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Jesse Minter at press conference at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Lexi Thompson-Imagn Images Ravens
Jan 29, 2026; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Jesse Minter at press conference at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Lexi Thompson-Imagn Images Ravens
Isaiah Likely Drops Clear Free Agency Message: “I Just Wanna Be Able to Blossom” – Eyes TE1 Role on Pass-Heavy Team
Speaking with Barstool Gruden, Likely didn’t hold back when asked what he’s told his agent ahead of unrestricted free agency:
“I just wanna be able to blossom. I feel like the last couple years I’ve had a great vet in Mark Andrews. He’s taught me everything to be a star-caliber tight end to the point where it’s like now, I feel like I just wanna be on a team where I can get out there and help a quarterback put up as much points as possible.”
The 25-year-old has spent the first three years of his career as the clear No. 2 tight end behind perennial Pro Bowler Mark Andrews. While Andrews has battled injuries and inconsistency, Likely has quietly developed into one of the league’s most explosive seam-stretchers and red-zone threats.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Isaiah Likely reveals what he told his agent about what he wants in free agency this offseason.
“I just wanna be able to blossom. I feel like the last couple years I’ve had a great vet in Mark Andrews. He’s taught me everything to be a star-caliber tight end to… pic.twitter.com/HsLXM66N1e
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 19, 2026
Isaiah Likely’s Breakout Potential in 2025
2025 Stats (14 games, 7 starts): 27 receptions, 307 yards, 1 TD
Elite athletic profile: 4.58 40-yard dash at 6’4″, 245 lbs
PFF grades: Top-10 among TEs in yards per route run and catch rate when targeted
Has a huge upside but has been buried on the depth chart
Despite limited opportunities (he averaged just 3.1 targets per game), Likely consistently produced when thrown to.
Free Agency Outlook: Top TE1 Candidate?
Likely is set to hit unrestricted free agency in March 2026. Mark Andrews is under contract through 2028 and will likely be Baltimore’s starter for years to come.
Likely’s comments make his priorities clear:
Wants to be a featured weapon (not a complementary piece)
Seeks a quarterback-friendly offense that throws frequently
Aims to prove he can be a true TE1 (top-5 production at the position)
Potential landing spots that fit his stated goals include:
Teams with young, pass-first QBs (e.g., Colts, Broncos, Titans)
Contenders needing a reliable red-zone threat (e.g., Chiefs, Eagles, Bengals)
Pass-heavy schemes looking for a dynamic mismatch (e.g., Dolphins, Texans)
Market value projections for Likely range from 3–4 years, $36–50 million (roughly $9–12.5M AAV), depending on medicals and how teams view his ceiling versus Andrews’ shadow.
The Ravens have not commented publicly on Likely’s future, but his interview has already sparked heated debate among Baltimore fans and NFL insiders.
Isaiah Likely just made his free agency wishlist crystal clear. Which team gives him the best shot to become a top-5 tight end in 2026? Drop your landing spot predictions below!
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