SerpApi.Org
Isaiah Likely is walking into a different job with the Giants. Giants.com named him a player primed to make a jump, and the reason is simple: the tight end is no longer stuck behind Mark Andrews for most of the passing game.
Likely has 135 receptions for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns in 63 career games. His 2025 line was 27 catches for 307 yards and one touchdown, but that number came in a role that kept him behind one of the league’s established stars.
Giants need Likely in the middle
Jaxson Dart already talked about what makes Likely difficult to cover. He is a big target who can bend through zones, find space on scramble drills, and make a quarterback’s life easier when a play breaks down.
Isaiah Likely does not have to become a 100-catch player for the move to work. He has to give the Giants reliable snaps, win enough routes between the numbers, and force defenses to account for him before they load up on Malik Nabers.
The change in role is the important part. Baltimore saw Likely as a second tight end. New York signed him with a chance to become the first option at the position.
The Giants can use Likely to help Dart
Young quarterbacks usually need easy throws. A tight end who can sit down against zone coverage or win a short matchup gives Dart a cleaner answer when the outside routes are covered.
That matters because the Giants do not need to force every drive through Nabers. If Likely can occupy linebackers and safeties, the whole passing game gets less predictable. This is the part I will be watching once camp starts.
The role is available. Likely has to prove he can own it.
Want to see more exclusive sports content like this? Follow Empire Sports Media on MSN.
Related Headlines
