Brief

Isaiah Likely Emerges as Giants’ Top Tight End After Early Season Surge

Likely’s early production and mentorship from Mark Andrews are highlighted as he cements a role in New York’s offense.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 06:49:25 GMT

Isaiah Likely, a first‑year New York Giants tight end, has logged 33 receptions in his first five games, ranking second among NFL tight ends and just nine catches short of his own single‑season high, the New York Post reported on Oct. 16.

The surge follows a transition from the Baltimore Ravens, where Likely spent four seasons behind Pro Bowler Mark Andrews. The Ravens re‑signed Andrews to a three‑year, $39.3 million extension in December, effectively guaranteeing Likely’s free‑agent move to New York.

Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who reportedly reviews extensive college film each spring, praised Likely’s college highlights at Coastal Carolina, noting the difficulty of evaluating him in the late fourth round of the draft. Harbaugh said Likely “made all these plays in college, but it just looked different,” and highlighted Likely’s ability as a perimeter blocker who could launch defenders five yards into the air.

Likely credited Andrews for teaching him to read defenses and adjust his route concepts. He said, “Being able to incorporate that in my game… I’m seeing the field like a quarterback, where I can see spot drops and where I can just feel spaces.”

Statistically, Likely is the first Giants veteran free‑agent addition to record multiple games with two or more touchdown catches at any point in his contract since Plaxico Burress in 2005. The article notes that all other players achieving similar early production were drafted or signed as undrafted rookies.

In a recent game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., Likely celebrated a touchdown in the third quarter, underscoring his growing role in the offense.

Key facts

Isaiah Likely has 33 catches in his first five games for the Giants. (nypost.com)
Likely ranks second among NFL tight ends in receptions after five games. (nypost.com)
He was previously behind Mark Andrews on the Ravens depth chart. (nypost.com)
The Ravens re‑signed Mark Andrews to a three‑year, $39.3 million extension in December. (nypost.com)
Likely is the first Giants veteran free‑agent tight end since 2005 to have multiple games with two+ TD catches early in his contract. (nypost.com)