Isaiah Likely
Tight End #80
Isaiah Likely News
Isaiah Likely Sees Prominent Role on Third Down in Preseason Opener
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely caught both of his targets for 11 yards in the team's 13-10 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Likely caught both of his passes on third down, converting both to move the chains. While his receiving role appears to be a major factor (especially on third down) in offensive coordinator Matt Nagy's offense, his snap share was notable. In 16 snaps that the first-team played during their first preseason matchup, Likely played just six snaps, while Theo Johnson played seven and blocking tight end Chris Manhertz played five. Likely played all six of his snaps in 11 personnel, while Johnson and Manhertz operated primarily in heavy personnel. We've seen highly valued tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Evan Engram struggle to produce last season due to their low snap counts, so this could be something to watch for Likely during the course of the 2026 season.
Aug 15, 2026 5:01 PM EST
Isaiah Likely Becoming Favorite Target for Giants QB
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely could be ready to make a big impact with his new team. In recent practices, Likely has been quarterback Jaxson Dart's favorite target. He snagged a team-high four receptions during Friday's practice session. The wide receiver room is a bit cloudy right now, so Likely has a chance to step up and make an impact in a big way. The 26-year-old could end up being the top target in New York until Malik Nabers (knee) returns to the field. Likely is Rotoballer's TE14, but he has the upside to be a top-10 player at his position this season.
Aug 7, 2026 5:14 PM EST
Isaiah Likely the Number Two Option Behind Nabers
Despite a deep room of wide receivers on the New York Giants roster, NFL Insider Connor Hughes reports that it is tight end Isaiah Likely standing out as the number two option behind 2024 first-round pick Malik Nabers. Hughes calls Likely "more of a utility weapon than a traditional tight end" and points to his early chemistry with Jaxson Dart and the team's willingness to move him across the formation as indicators that a big year could be on the horizon. Likely has made plays at all three levels through the early days of training camp and could be in line for the heaviest target share of his young career after spending four seasons in Baltimore with All-Pro Mark Andrews. Likely is RotoBaller's TE14 and represents the exact type of upside that fantasy managers should be seeking in the later rounds of 2026 drafts.
Aug 3, 2026 5:52 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Becoming a Safety Valve in Giants Offense
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely was one of the team's most active pass catchers on Saturday, hauling in six of his nine targets during competitive sessions, and The Athletic's Dan Duggan sees his place taking shape in a new-look Giants offense. After leading the team and nearly doubling the next closest player with 131 targets in 2025, receiver Wan'Dale Robinson departed for Tennessee in free agency, and Duggan believes Likely will inherit that underneath safety valve role for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. After sharing a depth chart with three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews for four seasons in Baltimore, Likely followed head coach John Harbaugh to the Giants, signing a three-year, $40 million deal. Harbaugh has sung Likely's praises for years, and with him finally getting an opportunity to serve as his team's primary tight end, with heavy volume potentially coming his way, RotoBaller's TE14 is a breakout candidate to target in the later rounds of drafts.
Aug 2, 2026 6:01 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Showing Strong Connection With New Quarterback
The New York Giants have a lot riding on new tight end Isaiah Likely after they signed him to a three-year, $40 million deal in free agency in March, so it's good to hear from John Fennelly of Giants Wire that he and new quarterback Jaxson Dart "have already shown a connection in early workouts this past spring." The former fourth-rounder by the Baltimore Ravens out of Coastal Carolina in 2022 could never get out of Mark Andrews' shadow in his four seasons with the Ravens, but he'll have a chance to immediately break out in 2026 in his first year in the Big Apple after following head coach John Harbaugh to the Giants. The G-Men think that the 26-year-old can become offensive coordinator Matt Nagy's receiving tight end out of the slot to create mismatches for opposing defenses. Likely can also be used as a blocker, but the Giants will probably have others do most of that. After catching 135 of his 194 targets for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first four NFL seasons with the Ravens, Likely will enter 2026 as a low-end TE1 target/high-end TE2 target in fantasy drafts with the potential for a true breakout in New York.
Jul 17, 2026 10:18 AM EST
Isaiah Likely has Clear Breakout Potential Now That he's Out of Baltimore
The Athletic's Dan Duggan writes that New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is a breakout candidate in 2026 after signing a three-year, $40 million contract in free agency, the richest contract the team handed out in new head coach John Harbaugh's first season in the Big Apple. The big contract (he's now the fourth-highest-paid TE in the NFL) wasn't considered an overpay, either, because Likely's receiving talent is evident. The 26-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2022 by Baltimore out of Coastal Carolina never exceeded 42 receptions or 477 receiving yards in his four seasons in Baltimore because of the presence of veteran Mark Andrews. With the Giants, Likely will operate as the G-Men's unquestioned No. 1 tight end after following Harbaugh from Baltimore, and "the team needs his production to match his compensation." Likely's case for a 2026 breakout will be even stronger if top wideout Malik Nabers (knee) isn't ready for the start of the regular season in September. Likely is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 14 fantasy TE, but he'll have top-10 upside at the position if he stays healthy in his first year in New York.
Jul 15, 2026 11:02 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Remains a Potential Redraft Sleeper Entering 2026
After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, tight end Isaiah Likely signed a three-year deal with the New York Giants this past spring. Likely consistently flashed upside as a Raven, but his production in Baltimore was limited by the presence of Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. In New York, Likely will play alongside another talented tight end in Theo Johnson. Still, the Giants' financial commitment to Likely seemingly indicates that he will get a chance to be his team's clear TE1 for the first time in his career. Even in a part-time role with the Ravens, Likely collected 11 receiving touchdowns across a two-season span from 2023 to 2024. Early reports out of Giants camp indicate that Likely has already begun to establish himself as a high-volume target in a New York passing game that is riddled with health and production question marks. Likely's profile comes with some risk, but he certainly has the potential to vastly outproduce his current redraft ADP of TE11.
Jul 7, 2026 10:30 AM EST
Isaiah Likely the Favorite Target of Young QB in Spring Practices
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely, who followed head coach John Harbaugh over from the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, was quarterback Jaxson Dart's "favorite target in open practices this spring," according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. The athletic tight end was dangerous on crossing routes, and his needle is pointing firmly up in fantasy football as the 2026 season nears. The 26-year-old former fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2022 out of Coastal Carolina never had more than 477 yards in his four seasons in Baltimore, but he should be a featured piece of the Giants' offense after he saw a career-low 36 targets in 2025. Duggan writes that the G-Men gave Likely a three-year, $40 million contract based on the projection that he "will thrive" after spending the last four years in Mark Andrews' shadow. We should expect the Giants to "manufacture touches for Likely on screens." RotoBaller has likely ranked as the No. 12 fantasy TE right now, and if receiver Malik Nabers (knee) isn't ready for the start of the season, Likely's role will be even bigger early on.
Jun 12, 2026 9:56 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Carries Significant Dynasty Upside into First Season in New York
After spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, tight end Isaiah Likely signed a three-year, $40 million contract in free agency with the New York Giants this past March. Likely routinely flashed high upside during his time in Baltimore, but his path to consistent fantasy production was blocked by the presence of fellow Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. In New York, Likely may now be facing another playing time split with incumbent Giants tight end Theo Johnson. However, the team's sizable financial commitment to Likely indicates that he is the Giants' TE1, as does Likely's familiarity with new Giants and former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Additionally, Likely could conceivably open 2026 as the number one target in New York's passing game with star Giants wideout Malik Nabers (knee) facing an uncertain recovery timeline from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 campaign. Likely's fantasy profile still lacks certainty, but his dynasty upside is significant as he enters his first season with his new team.
Jun 5, 2026 8:59 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Remains Well-Positioned for Mid-Career Breakout Following NFL Draft
After spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, tight end Isaiah Likely landed a three-year, $40 million deal with the New York Giants in free agency. Likely flashed upside throughout his time with Baltimore, but his path to consistently fantasy-relevant production was often blocked by the presence of veteran Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. In New York, Likely could find himself in another timeshare for tight end snaps with incumbent Giants tight end Theo Johnson. Johnson had a solid year in 2025, recording 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets across 15 games. However, given the financial investment the Giants made in Likely and the fact that he's following former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh from Baltimore to New York, it wouldn't be shocking to see Likely open the year as the clear TE1. The Giants also do not have an obvious second option in the passing game behind star wideout Malik Nabers (knee), which could further open the door for a breakout year from Likely. A significant jump in production for Likely is not guaranteed, but his dynasty value is in a better spot after his move to New York.
Apr 28, 2026 8:58 AM EST
John Harbaugh "Certain" Isaiah Likely Will Break Out
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh said that he is "certain" tight end Isaiah Likely will take a major leap in 2026, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. Harbaugh explained that he saw tremendous upside in Likely when the two were together in Baltimore, but the tight end never had much of an opportunity to break out because of the scheme and personnel. Indeed, Likely had his career-worst fantasy finish last year, checking in as the TE45 with 27 catches, 307 yards, and one touchdown. If Harbaugh is right, Likely could be due for his first-ever top-18 finish in 2026. However, we also need to be careful of just how much trust we invest in offseason coachspeak. Likely finds himself in a crowded Giants offense that also features Malik Nabers (knee), Theo Johnson, Darius Slayton, and Darnell Mooney. Likely is a high-risk, high-reward trade target this offseason. He could break out, as Harbaugh suggested, but he could also be headed for another year in a depth role.
Apr 5, 2026 9:15 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Expected to be "Featured Piece" in Giants Offense
New tight end Isaiah Likely, who received a three-year, $40 million contract in free agency, is expected to be a "featured piece" in the New York Giants' offense this year, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Duggan adds that the Giants essentially swapped Likely in for receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, "signaling the shift in their offensive approach" under new head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. Likely will be paired often with fellow TE Theo Johnson, while Chris Manhertz was re-signed as the primary blocker at the position. Likely, 25, was expected to be a bigger part of the Baltimore Ravens' offense in 2025 under Harbaugh, but the former fourth-rounder suffered a foot injury in the preseason and got a late start to the year. He never really recovered and finished with a career-low 27 catches for 307 yards and only one touchdown on 36 targets in 14 games (seven starts). Likely will be an obvious bounce-back candidate in fantasy football in 2026, although Johnson's presence could keep his ceiling low.
Mar 17, 2026 9:05 AM EST
Giants Signing Isaiah Likely to Three-Year Deal
The New York Giants are signing former Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely to a three-year, $40 million deal on Monday with a maximum value of $47.5 million, multiple sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. The deal makes Likely the third-highest paid tight end in the NFL and will pair him with young quarterback Jaxson Dart and receiver Malik Nabers. The 25-year-old will finally get out of the shadow of veteran Mark Andrews in Baltimore. The move to the Big Apple will make Likely a popular sleeper pick in 2026 fantasy football drafts with clear TE1 upside, although the Giants still have a very capable pass-catching TE in Theo Johnson. The money the Giants are giving Likely suggests he'll be the primary TE1 in New York next year, giving him the most fantasy upside he's had yet in his career. A foot injury caused Likely to get a late start in 2025, and he never recovered, finishing with a career-low 307 yards and only one touchdown on 27 catches through 14 games.
Mar 9, 2026 9:17 AM EST
Giants Targeting Isaiah Likely in Free Agency
Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely is among the players that the New York Giants are targeting in free agency, with the legal tampering period starting on Monday, March 9, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. The obvious connection here is that new Giants head coach John Harbaugh coached Likely in Baltimore. The 25-year-old had 1,568 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns on 135 catches in his four seasons with the Ravens, but he suffered a foot injury in training camp that caused him to miss the start of the 2025 season, and he never really recovered. Likely finished with a 27-307-1 line in 14 games (seven starts). Ultimately, he just hasn't been able to get out of the shadow of Mark Andrews, which is why it would be smart for him to sign elsewhere this offseason. A move to New York might not be the ideal fit, however, with rising TE Theo Johnson already on the roster.
Mar 8, 2026 8:43 PM EST
Ravens Want to Re-Sign Isaiah Likely
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said on Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine that the team would still like to re-sign impending free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Likely had a career year in 2024 with 42 catches, 477 yards, and six touchdowns on 58 targets in 16 regular-season games, but a foot injury cost him three games to start the 2025 campaign, and he never recovered. The 25-year-old caught just 27 of his 36 targets for a career-low 307 yards and one touchdown in 14 games played. It didn't help his cause that quarterback Lamar Jackson missed time with injury, too, and had one of the worst years of his career. The Ravens want Likely to return, but it's looking more likely that Likely will look for greener pastures on the open market and potentially a chance to be a bona fide TE1. The presence of Mark Andrews in Baltimore has made Likely an inconsistent TE2 in fantasy.
Feb 24, 2026 8:12 AM EST
Isaiah Likely on his Way Out in Baltimore?
Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely isn't ruling out a return to the Ravens in free agency, but he also said "business is business" when it comes to a team that recently signed TE Mark Andrews and receiver Rashod Bateman to new deals, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. Likely suffered a foot injury in the preseason that caused him to miss the first three games of the 2025 season, and he was never able to recover, finishing with just 27 catches for a career-low 307 yards and one touchdown in 14 games played. The 25-year-old told his agent that "I just want to be able to blossom," and that's unlikely to happen with the Ravens as long as Andrews is still around. All signs are pointing to Likely moving to another team this offseason, which should make him more attractive as a potential TE1 in fantasy.
Feb 23, 2026 9:13 AM EST
Ravens Haven't Made Progress in Extension Talks With Isaiah Likely
The Baltimore Ravens haven't made progress in their efforts to sign impending free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely to a contract extension, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Meanwhile, fellow TE Mark Andrews signed a four-year, $56 million contract with the team in September of 2021. Zrebiec writes that it will be very tough for the Ravens to have two guys making top-eight TE money with all their other needs. The 25-year-old Likely had a disappointing fourth year in the NFL in 2025, catching 27 of his 36 targets for a career-low 307 yards and only one touchdown in 14 games. He never really got on track after injuring his foot in training camp last summer. The good news for him is that his disappointing campaign is unlikely to impact his market in free agency this offseason. Likely is versatile and can be a significant weapon in the passing game, but he hasn't been able to stand out in fantasy in Baltimore with Andrews also involved. A change of scenery could be what Likely needs to take the next step.
Feb 17, 2026 11:38 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Could be a Good Fit in Washington
ESPN's Matt Bowen believes the best fit for Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely is with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders are making the transition from Kliff Kingsbury to David Blough at offensive coordinator, and Likely "could replace free agent Zach Ertz as the middle-of-the-field target for quarterback Jayden Daniels." Ertz has been a solid TE for Washington, but he's not getting any younger and is coming off a torn ACL. Likely would bring more upside with his catch-and-run ability, and Blough could scheme things up to "create underneath one-on-ones" for Likely. The 25-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of Coastal Carolina caught a career-low 27 passes for 307 yards and one touchdown in 14 games last year, but he had a 42-477-6 line in 2024. Getting out of Mark Andrews' shadow will certainly be helpful for Likely's fantasy value.
Feb 17, 2026 7:38 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Continues to Struggle, Carries TE3 Value into Week 17
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely had some big hopes and expectations entering this season after breaking out in a handful of games last year. He had a bunch of "almost big plays" this season, but ultimately, he's cracked the TE1 level twice and TE2 once. Now, the Ravens are probably operating without Lamar Jackson (doubtful - back), and even Mark Andrews has struggled to produce much over the last few weeks. Likely is riding two straight goose egg weeks into a Week 17 matchup with the Green Bay Packers who are eighth against tight ends in the last four weeks. The fourth-year pro projects as the TE27 on RotoBaller's rankings, which means there are better options on the waiver wire for fantasy managers looking for a streamer in their playoff matchup.
Dec 26, 2025 11:42 AM EST
Isaiah Likely Looking to Avenge Last Week's Dud
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isiah Likely has underperformed expectations this season, and he reached a new season-low last week with zero targets. It was a shockingly poor performance against a Bengals defense that is typically atrocious against tight ends. He'll look to get back on track on Sunday Night Football in Week 16 against the New England Patriots. The Patriots haven't been particularly strong against tight ends, either, surrendering the eighth-most fantasy points and sixth-most receptions to the position. The matchup offers Likely an opportunity to bounce back, but his floor is still too low to rely on him as a fantasy starter in Week 16. He currently ranks as RotoBaller's TE23.
Dec 20, 2025 8:57 PM EST
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