Isaiah Likely Seeks Bigger Role After Mentoring Under Mark Andrews

The Ravens tight end aims to blossom as a leading pass-catcher in free agency after learning from his veteran teammate.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 2:07pm

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Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely is entering free agency with the goal of expanding his role and becoming a top pass-catching option for an NFL team. Likely credits veteran teammate Mark Andrews as a valuable mentor who has helped him develop into a "star-caliber tight end." With the Ravens committing significant resources to retain Andrews, Likely sees free agency as an opportunity to emerge from a supporting role and showcase his abilities as a leading tight end.

Why it matters

Likely's free agency decision represents a pivotal moment in his career, as he looks to transition from a reliable backup to a primary offensive weapon. His next contract and team choice could significantly impact the tight end landscape across the league, with teams seeking a player who combines growth potential with experience mentoring under an elite veteran.

The details

In a recent interview, Likely expressed his desire to "blossom" and play a more prominent role, stating: "I feel like the last couple years I've had a great vet in Mark Andrews. He's taught me everything to be a star-caliber tight end to the point where it's like now, I feel like I just wanna be on a team where I can get out there and help a quarterback put up as many points as possible." Likely's most recent season saw a dip in productivity, recording 27 receptions for 307 yards and a single touchdown, his lowest output so far. However, he is expected to attract considerable interest in free agency, with early speculation of a potential reunion with the New England Patriots.

  • In the 2025 season, Likely recorded 27 receptions for 307 yards and 1 touchdown, his lowest output so far.
  • Likely suffered a foot injury in July 2025 that sidelined him for three games.

The players

Mark Andrews

A tight end for the Baltimore Ravens who has been a valuable mentor to Isaiah Likely during his time in Baltimore.

Isaiah Likely

A tight end for the Baltimore Ravens who is entering free agency with the goal of expanding his role and becoming a leading pass-catching option for an NFL team.

Jon Gruden

A former NFL head coach who interviewed Isaiah Likely for Barstool Sports.

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What they’re saying

“I just wanna be able to blossom. I feel like the last couple years I've had a great vet in Mark Andrews. He's taught me everything to be a star-caliber tight end to the point where it's like now, I feel like I just wanna be on a team where I can get out there and help a quarterback put up as many points as possible.”

— Isaiah Likely, Ravens Tight End

What’s next

Likely's free agency decision and potential contract negotiations will be closely watched, as teams seek to add a tight end with growth potential and experience mentoring under an elite veteran.

The takeaway

Isaiah Likely's pursuit of a more prominent role in free agency highlights the value of mentorship in the NFL, as well as the challenges faced by talented players seeking to emerge from a supporting role. His next destination could have significant implications for the tight end landscape across the league.