Isaiah Likely and Lamar Jackson
Getty
Lamar Jackson sent the Baltimore Ravens a clear message about Isaiah Likely's future.
If the Baltimore Ravens and general manager Eric DeCosta are looking for reasons to prevent tight end Isaiah Likely from entering 2026 NFL free agency, they should listen to input from franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The two-time NFL MVP made his feelings clear about Likely’s future with a recent post on ‘X.’ Jackson replied on Tuesday, February 24 to a post on the social media platform from B/R Gridiron asking, “Isaiah Likely will be a ____________”
Jackson’s response was simply “@Ravens,” followed by three folded hands praying emojis and a purple heart.
It’s obvious what No. 8 wants his team to do. Bringing back one of Jackson’s favorite targets could go a long way toward smoothing more negotiations between DeCosta and his star QB1 over what will probably be a market-resetting contract.
The problem is Jackson’s next deal is just one of the many pricey and complex problems the GM must solve this offseason. Others include getting Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to accept a record offer.
Bringing back Linderbaum and re-upping Jackson are moves the Ravens want to make without question. Likely’s future is less clear-cut, despite his obvious talent and rapport with the playmaker at football’s most important position.
Ravens Can’t Ignore Lamar Jackson’s Opinion
DeCosta sounds confident about getting Jackson to agree fresh terms, but it isn’t a sure thing until it’s done. Keeping Jackson happy remains near the top of the Ravens’ to-do list because he remains the one player who does the most to determine whether this team wins or loses.
Helping Jackson get back to his best is the priority for new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. His schemes can lead to more chunk plays through the air, but only if Jackson is aiming for the right targets.
There are some useful weapons at Jackson’s disposal, but there’s also a shortage of elite game-breakers. Wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are quick and capable, but it’s debatable if either pass-catcher scares defenses.
Likely has the potential to be the kind of matchup problem who keeps defensive coordinators up at night. The problem is translating potential into production is still proving elusive for the 2022 NFL draft fourth-round pick.
Isaiah Likely Staying Put Far From a Sure Thing
Recent comments from DeCosta bode well for Likely receiving an offer, but the Ravens may want to think twice about sacrificing limited salary cap space. It’s not that Likely’s athletic talents aren’t worthy of a decent price tag.
He’s got superstar potential when he makes plays like this 24-yard touchdown catch against the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 playoffs.
The play stands as an ideal example of why Jackson values Likely so highly. There are numerous examples of Jackson running around to escape pressure from a crumbling pocket, only to find Likely with a clutch heave to salvage a broken play.
Likely is Jackson’s go-to target when the heat is on, but the move tight end has yet to become the prolific chain-mover and source of big plays his versatility should yield. If he reaches that ceiling somewhere else, the Ravens will surely regret not getting a deal done, but DeCosta may be willing to take that chance when All-Pro Mark Andrews still tops the depth chart.
Trusting Andrews and bringing back Charlie Kolar on cheaper terms may benefit Jackson more than paying up to keep Likely away from an AFC rival. Especially if it leads to the Ravens being able to retain Linderbaum and ultimately pay their marquee signal-caller.