Overview
- New York signed the 6-foot-4 tight end to a three-year, $40 million contract at the start of free agency after four seasons as a productive Ravens backup.
- ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler labeled the addition the best move of free agency to date, with analysis emphasizing Likely’s mismatch potential from the slot.
- Former player Isaiah Stanback praised Likely on NFL Network, calling him “an absolute beast” and pointing to a featured role in New York’s passing game.
- Roster context shifted as Wan'Dale Robinson departed for Tennessee on a four-year, $78 million deal, while Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III joined on low-cost contracts.
- Likely said he chose New York to “blossom” and prove he is a top-tier tight end, while a WFAN host predicted a 70–90 catch season and a playoff push for 2026.