Isaiah Likely has become one of the more intriguing tight ends to follow in the NFL. Known for his athletic ability, contested-catch skills, and versatility, Likely has built his professional career through steady development rather than an easy path to the spotlight. After beginning his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, he entered a new chapter with the New York Giants in 2026.
His journey is particularly interesting because his background does not fit the traditional mould of a tight end. Basketball helped shape his body control and competitiveness, while his football career developed through several positions before he eventually became an offensive weapon. Those experiences continue to influence the way he plays.
For fans searching for Isaiah Likely news, statistics, career information, or his role with the Giants, his 2026 season provides plenty to watch. His move to New York has created a fresh opportunity to establish himself as an important part of an NFL offence.
Isaiah Likely’s Early Football Journey
Before becoming a professional tight end, Isaiah Likely developed his football skills in Everett, Massachusetts. Interestingly, he did not begin his high school career locked into one position. His athletic versatility allowed him to experience different roles, helping him understand the game from multiple perspectives.
According to the Baltimore Ravens, he likely played running back, safety, wide receiver, and defensive end during his high school career. He eventually focused on football over basketball, although his basketball background remained an important part of his athletic development. His ability to control his body in the air became particularly useful when competing for passes.
That unusual development continued at Coastal Carolina University. Likely finished his college career with 133 receptions for 2,050 yards and 27 touchdowns. His production helped establish him as an intriguing NFL prospect, especially because he combined the size of a traditional tight end with the movement skills of a receiver.
From Coastal Carolina to the Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens selected Isaiah Likely in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 139th overall pick. At the time, he joined an offence featuring star quarterback Lamar Jackson and established tight end Mark Andrews.
Rather than immediately becoming the primary tight end, Likely initially worked behind Andrews. Still, he quickly demonstrated that he could contribute as a receiver. During his rookie season, he appeared in 16 games and finished with 36 receptions for 373 yards and three touchdowns. He also produced a memorable eight-catch, 103-yard performance against Cincinnati in the final game of the regular season.
The early years showed why Isaiah Likely attracted attention from both coaches and fans. He could line up in different areas of the formation, attack the middle of the field, and create mismatches against defenders. His ability to operate alongside another talented tight end gave Baltimore additional flexibility.
Isaiah Likely’s Development as an NFL Tight End
The progression of Isaiah Likely became more noticeable during his second and third seasons. In 2023, he recorded 30 receptions for 411 yards and five touchdowns. A year later, he reached career highs with 42 receptions, 477 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
His 2024 campaign was especially significant because it demonstrated how effective he could become when given opportunities in the passing game. Rather than simply functioning as a secondary tight end, Likely showed the ability to stretch defences and create explosive plays.
The 2025 season was more challenging. Likely appeared in 14 games and recorded 27 receptions for 307 yards and one touchdown, while a foot injury caused him to miss three games. Even with the reduced production, his previous performances had established a strong foundation for his next opportunity.
A New Chapter With the New York Giants
In March 2026, Isaiah Likely signed a three-year contract with the New York Giants, ending his four-season run with Baltimore. The move represented an important turning point because it gave him a chance to establish himself in a different offensive system and potentially take on a larger role.
The transition also came after Likely had openly discussed his future during the 2026 offseason. He expressed affection for Baltimore while acknowledging that professional football is also a business. Ultimately, New York became his next destination.
The Giants have already benefited from his receiving ability during the opening weeks of the 2026 season. Through four games, Isaiah Likely has recorded 22 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns. His best performance so far came against Dallas in Week 1, when he caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
What Makes Isaiah Likely an Interesting Player?
One of the biggest strengths of Isaiah Likely is his athletic versatility. At 6-foot-4 and around 241 pounds, he has the physical profile of a modern receiving tight end. He can use his size against smaller defensive backs while also creating problems for slower linebackers.
His basketball background also remains relevant. Rebounding, body positioning, hand-eye coordination, and jumping ability can all translate to contested catches in football. The Ravens previously highlighted how those basketball skills influenced Likely’s development as a receiver.
Another important quality is his ability to provide a quarterback with a reliable target in the middle of the field. Tight ends who can catch passes while also presenting matchup problems are valuable in modern NFL offences. For the Giants, that versatility can give the coaching staff additional options when designing passing concepts.
Isaiah Likely’s 2026 Outlook
The 2026 season could become a defining period in Isaiah Likely’s career. Moving from Baltimore to New York means he has to adapt to a new coaching environment, new teammates, and a different offensive structure. Early results, however, suggest that he can contribute immediately.
Through four regular-season games, his 22 catches and 190 receiving yards already provide a useful starting point. His two touchdown receptions also show that he can remain relevant near the goal line.
The bigger question is consistency. If Likely continues receiving significant targets and remains healthy, he has an opportunity to produce the most productive season of his career. His previous career-high of 477 receiving yards gives him a reasonable benchmark to surpass.
Why Fans Are Watching Isaiah Likely
For NFL fans, Isaiah Likely represents the type of player who can become more valuable as his opportunities increase. His career has already included several changes, from playing multiple positions in high school to developing at Coastal Carolina, joining Baltimore, and eventually moving to New York.
His story also demonstrates why draft position does not always tell the whole story. Selected in the fourth round, he likely has already accumulated meaningful NFL production and has become a recognisable offensive player. His career totals entering 2026 included 157 receptions, 1,758 receiving yards, and 17 touchdown catches according to Pro-Football-Reference.
As the Giants’ season continues, attention will remain on how his role develops. If his early 2026 production is any indication, there is a good reason to believe that Likely can remain an important piece of New York’s passing attack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah Likely
1. Who is Isaiah Likely?
Isaiah Likely is an NFL tight end who began his professional career with the Baltimore Ravens after being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He joined the New York Giants in 2026.
2. What team does Isaiah Likely play for?
As of the 2026 NFL season, Isaiah Likely plays tight end for the New York Giants. He signed a three-year contract with the team in March 2026.
3. Where did Isaiah Likely play college football?
Likely played college football at Coastal Carolina. He finished his college career with 133 receptions, 2,050 receiving yards, and 27 touchdowns.
4. How many touchdowns has Isaiah Likely scored in the NFL?
Entering the 2026 season, Isaiah Likely had 17 career receiving touchdowns. Through his first four games with the Giants in 2026, he added two more touchdown receptions.
5. What makes Isaiah Likely valuable?
His combination of size, athleticism, receiving ability, and versatility makes Isaiah Likely valuable. His basketball background also helped develop body control and contested-catch skills that translate well to the tight end position.
Final Thoughts
Isaiah Likely has taken an unconventional route to becoming an established NFL tight end. From playing multiple positions in high school to starring at Coastal Carolina, developing with the Ravens, and beginning a new chapter with the Giants, his career has continued to evolve.
His move to New York gives him another opportunity to demonstrate what he can do with consistent involvement in an offence. With his athletic profile and receiving skills, Likely remains a player worth watching throughout the 2026 NFL season.
