Giants tight end Isaiah Likely
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People across the NFL continue to rave about Isaiah Likely signing with the Giants.
Coming off a season where they failed to make the playoffs, the New York Giants have been hard at work bolstering the roster ahead of the 2026 campaign. As they continue to make moves, one addition received high praise from an NFL analyst.
In the initial waves of free agency signings, the Giants inked tight end Isaiah Likely to a three-year deal worth $40 million. Like countless others have done, he departs from the Baltimore Ravens to reunite with head coach Jon Harbaugh.
While free agency rages on, the people at ESPN weighed in on all the moves that have happened thus far. When discussing the best overall signing, Jeremy Fowler went with New York locking down Likely.
“A tight end who gets open is a friendly addition for a young quarterback, and Likely will be that for Jaxson Dart,” Fowler wrote. “His presence allows New York to lean into two tight end sets, and at $40 million over three years, Likely’s contract is cheaper than that of former Giants receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who signed a four-year, $78 million deal with Tennessee.”
Likely, 25, is coming off a season with the Ravens where he notched 307 yards and one touchdown across 14 appearances.
Giants TE Isaiah Likely Named Among NFL’s Top Breakout Candidates
Likely signing with the Giants is big for his career for multiple reasons. Not only will he get to catch passes from a talented young quarterback in Jaxson Dart, but he’ll also get to showcase his talents in an expanded role. For years, Likely had to play behind an elite-level tight end in Mark Andrews. Now, he has an opportunity to showcase everything he’s learned as the TE1 for New York this upcoming season.
Seeing that his role in the offense is going to drastically increase, Likely is lined up to have a career year in 2026. Now set to be a full-time starter, Bleacher Report‘s Moe Moton named him among the top breakout candidates in the NFL.
Not only will his reps increase as the Giants’ starting tight end, but Likely’s offensive versatility should make him an intriguing weapon for Dart to utilize.
NFL Analyst Excited to See Isaiah Likely on the Giants
Since the signing became official, countless people in and around the NFL have praised New York’s addition of Likely. Among the many to do so was longtime analyst Kay Adams.
During the March 12th episode of her “Up & Adams” show, Adams gave some quick thoughts on the Giants’ first wave of signings. She touched on Likely the most, raving about how excited she is to see what he can do in a larger role.
“So so happy for him, he’s gonna be the man now,” Adams said of Likely. “He gets to be the lead dog for this first time in his career. I can’t wait to see him, he’s just scratching the surface. I love it for Jaxson. You get Nabers and Likely, that’s about as fun as it gets.”
Up & Adams
WHAT a free agent haul for the Giants‼️
Next up: Jeremiyah Love at No. 5 overall?
@heykayadams
As he gears up for his first season with his new team, Likely enters the 2026 campaign as arguably one of the Giants’ biggest X-factors.