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Isaiah Likely
TE · NYG

Isaiah Likely

Position TE
Team NYG
Bye Week 8
PPR Rank #117

Isaiah Likely

NFL player. Position: TE. Team: NYG.

Quick Facts

  • Position: TE
  • Team: NYG (New York Giants)
  • Bye week (2026): 8
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 117

2026 Outlook

Moved to the Giants as a free agent after climbing ladder behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore. Operating as a big slot receiver in a role that creates fantasy-friendly usage opportunities under new OC Matt Nagy. Malik Nabers is the No. 1 target, but Likely steps into the clear No. 2 target role immediately. The Giants desperately need reliable pass catchers, and Likely's ability after the catch creates major fantasy intrigue despite being a tight end by position. (per 12 High-Upside Fantasy Football Draft Picks (2026))

Breakout bet despite mixed Baltimore track record: Giants signed Likely to a three-year, $39M contract (with implied breakout expectations), but his Baltimore production was modest: never topped 42 catches or 477 receiving yards in four seasons, and never garnered more than 60 targets in a single season. Giants are banking on his fifth NFL season being the breakout, leveraging his big-slot alignment under Matt Nagy's scheme to unlock the production that eluded him behind Mark Andrews. The risk: Likely simply may not be a TE1-caliber talent, and Giants could be overpaying relative to his resume (per N.Y. Giants training camp preview: One thought on Skattebo, Dart and every player on offense - The Athletic - The New York Times).

Giants' new OC Matt Nagy employs a Chiefs-influenced system with shotgun-heavy approach (71% in Chicago) and screen game emphasis. Nagy's history with productive TEs: Cole Kmet saw 93 targets (career-best) in 2021 under Nagy, Travis Kelce produced multiple TE1 seasons in KC. Likely's formation mismatches (slot alignment, pass-catching emphasis) align perfectly with Nagy's scheme. He could reach 100+ targets in first Giants season, operating with safe 4-target floor every week (per New York Giants: John Harbaugh, Matt Nagy & 2026 Fantasy Football Impact). No longer blocked by Mark Andrews, free from tight end depth chart logjam. (per 2026 Fantasy Football: Heath Cummings' Breakouts 1.0)

FantasyPros projects "Clear TE1 upside" with strong breakout potential in PPR formats, calling him an excellent late-round tight end target. His slot-receiver usage under Nagy should unlock consistent target volume in a pass-needy offense. (per 12 High-Upside Fantasy Football Draft Picks (2026))

Part of the 2026 tight end discourse; viewed as solid performer in a class that lacks a true blue-chip superstar but features multiple productive contributors. (per 2026 NFL Draft Class By Position: Tight End)

Likely could finish second on the Giants in receptions and first in receiving touchdowns if he establishes himself in Nagy's system. With the Giants' receiving corps thin behind Malik Nabers, Likely fills a critical need. The coaching staff's historical preference for tight ends further boosts his appeal. (per 10 Fantasy Football Bold Predictions & Hot Takes for 2026)

Expert endorsement: "If your initial inclination is to dismiss [Likely], I understand it completely" — but with Malik Nabers nursing a prolonged recovery, Likely gets major early-season runway. His ADP in Round 11 as TE14 offers minimal risk and high spike-week potential while Nabers ramps back. Even at his baseline, there's almost no downside—making him one of the safest late-round TE pivots for 2026. (per Fantasy Football: These 2 sophomores 'haven't even come close to their ceilings' —...)

John Harbaugh (now Giants HC) brings direct familiarity with Likely from their four seasons together in Baltimore. At the NFL owners' meetings, Harbaugh emphasized his confidence in Likely's ability to succeed as a No. 1 tight end: "I'm certain he's going to be able to put up the numbers, the stats...I've seen him every day in practice. I've seen him make plays." Harbaugh's coaching history with tight ends (Cole Kmet, Travis Kelce in Kansas City scheme) positions Likely to command target volume and red-zone looks. The Giants signed Likely to a three-year, $40M contract ($20.5M guaranteed) specifically to help mitigate the loss of 1,000-yard WR Wan'Dale Robinson and create a big target in the passing game. (per NY Giants' top 10 most important players: No. 10 — TE Isaiah Likely)

Dynasty analysts rank Likely alone in Tier 3 for 2026 breakout potential at the position. His historical rate stats—20.9% target share and 9.24 yards per target when off-field with Mark Andrews—translate to 1,000+ receiving yards if replicated with the Giants. With Malik Nabers nursing a rehab injury to start the season, Likely could become the immediate top target in the offense and finish top two on the team in targets. At 26 years old with legitimate scheme fit and opportunity, his upside could propel him into Tier 2 during the 2026 season if he produces early. (per Dynasty Fantasy Football Tight End Tiers: Isaiah Likely stands alone in Tier 3 due to breakout potential)

FantasyPros identifies Likely as one of four "TE2s with top-5 potential" for 2026. After two down seasons in Baltimore (first due to preseason foot injury, then struggling to regain form), Likely has the talent to emerge as a top-five option under John Harbaugh's Giants offense. Before his decline, Likely posted elite efficiency metrics: second-best yards per target (10.3) and yards per reception (13.7) in 2023 among all TEs, plus the top spot in fantasy points per target at 2.53. With a young, ascending QB (Jaxson Dart) and limited offensive weaponry outside of Malik Nabers, Likely has the talent to sneak into the top-five at the position if everything clicks into place. (per 4 TE2s With Top-5 Potential (2026 Fantasy Football) - FantasyPros).

Experts view Likely as a premier late-round tight end target with strong value. His appeal rests on his history of elite production whenever given extended opportunities—he's consistently performed at an elite level in his prime. The Giants' uncertainty at receiver (especially early with Malik Nabers' recovery) creates the clearest path yet for sustained production, positioning him to play a major role immediately. For fantasy managers waiting on tight end depth, Likely stands as one of the best late-round values on the board. (per 10 Must-Have Draft Picks Experts Love (2026 Fantasy Football)).

PFF boom-or-bust caveat (March 2026): While the breakout narrative is compelling, Likely's track record is a concern. He's never finished a regular season with 60+ targets or 500 receiving yards. His only 70+ PFF receiving grade came in 2024—he missed the first three games of 2025 with a broken foot and struggled the rest of the year. Over his career, he's played only 835 snaps as an inline TE versus 1,393 as a wide receiver, raising questions about his true position fit. Theo Johnson may still handle significant snaps in Matt Nagy's offense. At 26 years old with Harbaugh's confidence, the talent is there, but the Giants are gambling that "everything clicks" produces near-elite receiving production to justify the deal (per 2026 NFL Free Agency: 8 boom-or-bust signings).

Role / Depth Chart

No. 2 TE in New York offense; slots frequently, functioning more like a big slot receiver than an inline tight end.

Injury Status

Healthy entering 2026 season.

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Isaiah's role

John HarbaughHead CoachMatt NagyOffensive CoordinatorBrian CallahanPassing Game Coordinator / Quarterbacks CoachGrant NewsomeAssistant Offensive Line CoachMike BloomgrenOffensive Line CoachTim KellyTight Ends Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

Establish The Run2025 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 6 TEs & Their Player Comp
Fantasy Points Fantasy FootballThe Year 2 RB & QB Breakouts That Will Decide Fantasy Leagues in 2026
Ron StewartYour Leaguemates Are Completely Ignoring These Coaching Changes