Top Free Agent Tight End Asks Patriots To Bring Him 'Home'

Isaiah Likely, a Cambridge native, hints at interest in joining the Patriots in free agency.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The New England Patriots will have significant salary cap space to spend in 2026 free agency, and one of their top targets could be Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely. Likely, who was born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, recently liked an Instagram comment suggesting he should "come back home" to the Patriots, fueling speculation that he is interested in joining the team.

Why it matters

The Patriots are in need of pass-catching weapons to support young quarterback Drake Maye, and Likely could be an ideal fit. As a consistent contributor for the Ravens over the past two seasons, Likely has shown the potential to be a breakout star, and his local ties could make him an appealing target for the Patriots.

The details

Likely, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has combined for 784 yards and eight touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Ravens. He had a career-high 42 receptions for 477 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, playing behind All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews on the depth chart. Likely's athleticism and production could make him a valuable addition to the Patriots' offense.

  • Likely's Instagram interaction occurred on Thursday, February 15, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL free agency period officially begins on March 11, 2026.

The players

Isaiah Likely

A 25-year-old tight end who was born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is set to become a free agent after playing the first four years of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens.

Drake Maye

The New England Patriots' young starting quarterback, who could benefit from the addition of a talented pass-catching tight end like Likely.

Josh McDaniels

The Patriots' offensive coordinator, whose system could be a good fit for Likely's skill set.

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What they’re saying

“Come back home, bro.”

— Instagram user (Instagram)

What’s next

The Patriots will likely make a strong push to sign Likely when free agency begins on March 11, 2026, as they look to bolster their offense around quarterback Drake Maye.

The takeaway

Likely's potential homecoming to the Patriots could be a win-win for both the player and the team, as New England looks to add a talented and versatile tight end to its offense while also tapping into Likely's local roots and appeal to the fanbase.