Isaiah's Giants Move to AFC: Time for Adaptation Plans!
One NFL insider believes the New York Giants signing TE Isaiah Likely was the very best move of free agency.
In the wake of the 2026 NFL free agency period, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler highlighted the New York Giants ' acquisition of tight end Isaiah Likely as the standout move of the offseason. The former Baltimore Ravens pass-catcher, who reunited with new Giants head coach John Harbaugh, signed a three-year deal worth $40 million on March 9. The Giants signing tight end Isaiah Likely.
A tight end who gets open is a friendly addition for a young quarterback, and Likely will be that for Jaxson Dart. His presence allows New York to lean into two tight end sets, and at $40 million over three years, Likely's contract is cheaper than that of former Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, who signed a four-year, $78 million deal with Tennessee. Fowler praised the value and fit, noting Likely's ability to create separation provides a reliable target for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart, who reportedly played a key role in recruiting the tight end .
Likely, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end drafted by the Ravens in 2022, brings proven production with 135 career receptions for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns over four seasons. His addition bolsters an offense revamped under Harbaugh and his assistants, emphasizing two-tight end formations, mismatches, and weapons like Malik Nabers to support Dart's strengths in accuracy and deep throws. This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: NFL insider: Giants signing Isaiah Likely the best move of free agency