The Baltimore Ravens are heading into the offseason with some key decisions to make, and one name drawing attention is tight end Isaiah Likely. After a quieter 2025 campaign-27 catches, 307 yards, and a single touchdown-Likely’s numbers don’t jump off the page. But stats don’t always tell the whole story, especially for a player who’s shown flashes of serious upside in his first three seasons.
At just 25 years old, Likely still has the tools to be a weapon in the right system. He’s a fluid route-runner with soft hands, and while he didn’t take the leap many expected this past year, the potential is still there. And in a league where tight ends are becoming more and more valuable as matchup nightmares, Likely’s skill set keeps him firmly on the radar.
One team that could come calling? The New York Giants.
There’s buzz around the idea that Likely could reunite with his former head coach, John Harbaugh, who’s now leading the charge in New York. It’s a connection that makes a lot of sense.
Harbaugh has long valued tight ends in his offensive schemes, and Likely could be a natural fit alongside rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Pairing Likely with fellow tight end Theo Johnson could give the Giants a dynamic duo reminiscent of the Mark Andrews-Isaiah Likely tandem that had success in Baltimore. For a young quarterback like Dart, having two reliable targets at tight end could be a major asset-especially in the red zone and on third downs, where tight ends often become a quarterback’s best friend.
Of course, the Giants' offense is still very much a work in progress. With star wideout Malik Nabers rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered in October, the team is in need of playmakers who can take pressure off the rookie quarterback and provide consistent production. Likely may not have proven himself as a week-in, week-out threat just yet, but in a larger role, he has the chance to thrive.
The challenge for New York? Cap space.
The Giants are projected to have just $1.8 million available, according to Over the Cap. That’s not much wiggle room, especially with several roster holes still to address.
But there are ways to create flexibility-restructures, veteran cuts, and backloaded contracts could open the door.
Spotrac projects Likely’s market value at around $9.1 million per year. That’s a significant investment for a player coming off a down year, but it also reflects the league-wide belief in his upside. If general manager Joe Schoen can find the financial room, bringing Likely into the fold could be a smart, forward-thinking move-giving Dart another target, giving Harbaugh a familiar piece, and giving the Giants offense a potential spark at a position that’s been lacking punch.
Bottom line: Likely’s best football may still be ahead of him. And if the Giants are looking to build something sustainable with a young quarterback and a creative offensive mind at the helm, this is exactly the kind of calculated swing that could pay off.