Giants’ John Harbaugh raves about ‘playmaking’ newcomer: ‘He’s going to be big’
John Harbaugh is entering Year 1 with the Giants.
New Giants coach John Harbaugh feels certain that tight end Isaiah Likely is ready to take on a more prominent role. Harbaugh on Monday raved about Likely — one of his old Baltimore pals — while speaking with reporters at the NFL’s Annual Meeting in Phoenix. Likely just got what is essentially a two-year, $28 million contract from the Giants in free agency.
They will lean heavily on him, especially with slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson leaving for the Titans. Likely, who is about to turn 26, spent his first four NFL seasons with Harbaugh in Baltimore as the Ravens’ second tight end option, behind Mark Andrews. Now, in East Rutherford, Harbaugh will ask more of Likely, who is expected to bump Theo Johnson down the depth chart.
Likely’s best season came in 2024 — 42 catches, 477 yards and six touchdowns. Can he put up bigger numbers? Harbaugh thinks so.
“He’s a playmaking football player,” Harbaugh said. “I think Jaxson is going to really like him running the routes and being in his line of vision. He’s got a big catch radius.