Who Should I Start? Drew Sample or Isaiah Likely

Saturday, September 27, 2:08 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample has only three catches this season, with one resulting in a trip to the end zone. The 29-year-old has logged more snaps than Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant (foot) through the first three weeks of the 2025 campaign. However, both have received more attention from quarterbacks Joe Burrow (toe) and Jake Browning. The Bengals offense is a mess, which has been a surprise to most. As a result, it's hard to trust anyone on that side of the ball. Granted, Sample should continue to lead the position in snaps, especially with his abilities as a blocker. Still, while he will likely add a few more scores to his resume before the end of the season, he's not consistent enough to be considered a starting fantasy option in any format in Week 4 versus the Broncos.

Wednesday, November 12, 10:11 AM

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Baltimore Ravens could consider using the franchise tag on tight end Isaiah Likely. Likely is currently in the final year of his rookie contract, and would earn roughly $12 million in 2026 under the tag. After missing the start of the season with a broken foot, Likely has struggled to regain form, recording just 10 receptions for 103 yards through six games. The Ravens' tight end situation will be one to monitor next offseason, as veteran Mark Andrews is also approaching free agency. If Likely can rebound, he could emerge as one of the more intriguing tight end options on the 2026 market.