Isaiah Likely signs three‑year deal with New York Giants as tight‑end focal point

Tight end Isaiah Likely joined the New York Giants on a three‑year, $40 million contract after spending four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens under head coach John Harbaugh. The Giants plan to use him alongside rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in a two‑tight‑end offense designed by offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, with Likely expected to line up as a slot‑receiver and create mismatches against linebackers and nickel corners. Harbaugh, who coached Likely in Baltimore, cited the player’s ability to stretch the field and his health‑first outlook after a foot surgery in July 2025 that limited him to 27 receptions for 307 yards that season. The contract includes $26 million guaranteed and a modest $6.09 million cap hit in 2026.

Mark Andrews, the Ravens’ veteran tight end, praised Likely’s contributions while reflecting on the team’s revamped tight‑end group after Likely’s departure. Andrews highlighted the arrival of veteran Durham Smythe and draft picks Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas as part of Baltimore’s effort to stay dynamic at the position, noting that younger players are now making immediate impacts in modern offenses.