The New York Giants’ first big move to bring in a player from outside the organization in NFL free agency has arrived. The Giants are signing former Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, who will join former Ravens coach John Harbaugh in East Rutherford, N.J.
The Giants confirmed the signing of Likely, pending a physical, Monday afternoon.
There was some speculation throughout the offseason that Likely, entering his age 26 season, would not consider the Giants in free agency because of discord with Harbaugh. That has proven untrue. The contract value (reportedly up to $47.5 million over three years) tells you how Harbaugh feels about Likely.
Likely did have a reduced role with the Ravens in 2025. His number of receptions dropped from a career-high 42 in 2024 to 27 last season, and his offensive snap share dropped from 627 to 488.
What this means for the Giants
A 6-foot-4, 245-pound 2022 fourth-round pick, Likely caught 135 passes for 1,568 yards (11.6 yards per catch) and 15 touchdowns in Baltimore. The Giants already re-signed blocking tight end Chris Manhertz on Monday. With Theo Johnson and Thomas Fidone on the roster, that makes it seem unlikely there will be a place for Daniel Bellinger.
The Giants are expected to lose slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency, and Likely could be an option as a different type of slot receiver than the 5-foot-8 Robinson. Likely played 266 snaps in the slot and 80 lined up as a wide receiver for Baltimore last season.
