The New York Giants didn’t hesitate to sign tight end Isaiah Likely to a lucrative contract, treating him as a top-tier player at his position after four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Under new head coach John Harbaugh—who previously coached Likely in Baltimore—the Giants have shown strong negotiating prowess, and Likely has performed at a Pro Bowl level through the first five games as the team sits atop the standings for the first time since 2015.
Before Week 6, analysts highlighted Likely as a major surprise for the Giants. He left the Ravens for a three-year, $40 million deal on the first day of free agency, March 9. At 26, the veteran pass-catcher has emerged as a notable asset in New York. While he had shown flashes as Baltimore’s No. 2 tight end behind Mark Andrews, few anticipated Likely becoming one of the league’s most dangerous tight ends as the Giants’ starter. He has played a career-high 70 percent of the Giants’ offensive snaps this season, already recording 33 receptions for 284 yards and four touchdowns. After five weeks, he ranks fourth in receiving yards among tight ends, trailing only Sam LaPorta, Brock Bowers, and Trey McBride.
