A New Chapter in New York
Isaiah Likely is stepping into a fresh environment as the 2026 season approaches, having left the Baltimore Ravens where he spent several years behind star tight end Mark Andrews.
The New York Giants have signed the former Ravens standout to a contract that places him among the five highest‑paid tight ends, a deal that has already sparked conversation about his fantasy upside.
Analyst Dan Parr of NFL.com has positioned Likely at No. 12 overall among tight ends for the upcoming draft, noting that a deep field of talent makes his exact placement a subject of debate.
A potential injury to teammate Malik Nabers could open up more snaps for Likely, especially in the short and intermediate zones where he is expected to be a reliable target for quarterback Jaxson Dart.
If the Giants can feed him consistent targets, Likely could evolve into a downfield threat and become a standout fantasy asset, but the coaching staff will need to balance his usage with the rest of the offense.
What It Means for the Giants' Offense
The team’s offensive scheme under new coordinator Matt Nagy emphasizes quick passes and intermediate routes, a fit that could maximize Likely’s skill set. With Jaxson Dart expected to distribute the ball more evenly, the tight end could see a surge in opportunities.
Fantasy owners are already drafting him as a late‑round flier, hoping that the combination of contract security, a clear role and a potential injury to Nabers will translate into the production needed for a breakout year.