Giants, John Harbaugh Criticized for $40M Tight End Signing

The New York Giants and new head coach John Harbaugh are facing backlash for giving a massive contract to former Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:09am

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The New York Giants made a notable free agent signing, inking former Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely to a 3-year, $40 million contract. The deal has been widely criticized, with analysts arguing that Likely is not worth that level of investment given his limited production and blocking ability in the NFL so far. However, Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who previously coached Likely in Baltimore, seems to believe the tight end can excel in a bigger role.

Why it matters

The Giants are looking to turn things around after a disappointing 2025 season, and their decision to make Likely one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league is a risky move that will face intense scrutiny if he does not live up to the contract. This signing is also an early test for new head coach John Harbaugh, who will need to justify his faith in Likely to Giants fans and the media.

The details

Likely, 25, has played four seasons in the NFL, all with the Baltimore Ravens. His best statistical season came in 2025 when he caught 27 passes for 307 yards and 1 touchdown. However, he has never topped 500 receiving yards in a year and is considered more of a 'big slot' receiver than a traditional in-line blocking tight end. The Giants needed to add a tight end after losing Daniel Bellinger to the Titans in free agency, but many feel they overpaid significantly for Likely's services.

  • Likely signed his 3-year, $40 million contract with the Giants on March 15, 2026.

The players

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, who previously coached Isaiah Likely for 4 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

Isaiah Likely

A 25-year-old tight end who signed a 3-year, $40 million contract with the Giants after 4 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

Ethan Woodie

An analyst for NFL Trade Rumors who criticized the Giants' signing of Isaiah Likely as one of the worst moves of the 2026 NFL free agency period.

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What they’re saying

“Likely is not a blocker and doesn't offer much as an in-line option. He's essentially a big slot, but without banner receiving production in the NFL.”

— Ethan Woodie, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Giants will hope that Harbaugh's familiarity with Likely and belief in his potential will pay off, but the tight end's performance in 2026 will be heavily scrutinized as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.

The takeaway

The Giants' decision to make Isaiah Likely one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL is a risky move that will face intense scrutiny if he does not live up to the contract. It's an early test for new head coach John Harbaugh, who will need to justify his faith in Likely to Giants fans and the media.