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Isaiah Likely Faces Breakout Deadline With the New York Giants

His 2026 production must validate the Giants' three-year, $40 million investment.

Overview

  • The Giants signed Likely in free agency this offseason to a three-year, $40 million deal with about $20.5 million guaranteed to add a bigger receiving option at tight end.
  • Coach John Harbaugh, who coached Likely in Baltimore, has publicly endorsed him and said he expects Likely to be a playmaking contributor in New York.
  • Likely’s four-year totals in Baltimore were modest—about 34 catches, 392 yards and 3.75 touchdowns per season—which creates pressure to show a larger, consistent role in 2026.
  • With Malik Nabers still recovering from a 2025 ACL tear, Likely is projected to operate as a big-slot or second receiving option and could see primary-target opportunities if Nabers is limited.
  • Media, fantasy analysts and Giants fans list Likely as a popular breakout pick this summer, and the team will judge the signing quickly based on his third-down, red-zone and consistent target work.