Giants Sign Ravens Tight End Isaiah Likely to $40 Million Deal

The 6'4" pass-catching tight end reunites with former Ravens coach John Harbaugh in New York.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New York Giants have agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract with former Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely. Likely, 25, spent the past four seasons in Baltimore and is known as more of a pass-catching threat than a blocker. He will join the Giants' offense led by new coordinator Matt Nagy, who is expected to utilize multiple tight end sets. Likely's signing likely ends any chance of Daniel Bellinger, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Giants, returning to the team.

Why it matters

The Giants are looking to upgrade their passing attack and add more dynamic playmakers around quarterback Daniel Jones. Likely, who has good size and athleticism, could provide a big target in the middle of the field and help open up the offense. His arrival also signals a shift in the Giants' offensive philosophy under Nagy, who may favor more two-tight end sets compared to the previous regime.

The details

Likely, a 2022 fourth-round pick, has totaled 135 receptions for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns in 63 career games with the Ravens. He is not coming off his best season, with only 27 catches and one touchdown in 2025. However, the Giants are betting on his upside and ability to thrive in a larger role within their passing attack. Tight ends Theo Johnson and Chris Manhertz also return to provide depth and blocking support.

  • Likely agreed to the three-year, $40 million contract with the Giants on March 9, 2026.

The players

Isaiah Likely

A 25-year-old tight end who spent the past four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, known more as a pass-catching threat than a blocker.

John Harbaugh

The head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who previously worked with Likely and is now reunited with him as the Giants hire his former player.

Matt Nagy

The new offensive coordinator for the Giants, who is expected to install an offense that utilizes multiple tight end sets, making Likely a key addition.

Daniel Jones

The Giants' starting quarterback, who will have a new pass-catching threat in Likely to help upgrade the team's passing attack.

Daniel Bellinger

The tight end who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Giants, but is now unlikely to return to the team with Likely's arrival.

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What they’re saying

“To me, it doesn't really matter what type of slot receiver you use. It just depends on how you build that gameplan you're talking about. So I just think whoever's in those positions just needs to be really good at what they do, and then we'll figure out how to use it.”

— John Harbaugh, Head Coach, Baltimore Ravens

What’s next

The Giants will look to integrate Likely into their offense and see how he can help upgrade their passing attack under new coordinator Matt Nagy.

The takeaway

The Giants' signing of Isaiah Likely signals a shift in their offensive philosophy, as they look to add more dynamic playmakers and utilize multiple tight end sets under new coordinator Matt Nagy. Likely's arrival also reunites him with his former Ravens coach John Harbaugh, providing a familiar face as he transitions to a new team.