In an effort to bolster the cast of offensive weapons around Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants brought in veteran Isaiah Likely on a three-year deal. As he gears up for his first opportunity as a full-time starter, one former player compared him to an all-time talent at the position.
During the March 16th installment of “NFL Live” on ESPN, the panel discussed the new-look Giants offense amid a flurry of signings in free agency. While looking at the group as a whole, Chase Daniel cited Isaiah Likely as the one addition that isn’t getting enough shine. He gave high praise to the longtime Ravens tight end, comparing his versatility to Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.
“The one signing I think that’s not being talked about enough in my opinion is Isaiah Likely,” Daniel said. “Isaiah Likely’s gonna be used in New York like Travis Kelce was in Kansas City. You design the entire offense around him, move him everywhere.”
Likely appeared in games for the Ravens last season, largely serving as a backup to franchise legend Mark Andrews. In that time, he racked up 307 receiving yards and one touchdown. With his Baltimore tenure behind him, Likely will now look to be a key contributor alongside one of the league’s top rising young quarterbacks.
Isaiah Likely Hoping to be ‘Chess Piece’ for Giants
Daniel is not the only person who is high on Likely’s ability to be utilized in a variety of different ways on the field. The veteran TE himself recently opened up on how he can be deployed and help New York’s offense in 2026 and beyond.
While speaking with the Giants’ media following his official signing, Likely was asked about playing in the slot more than ever before last season. He opened up on the pros and cons of different positioning and cited that he wants to be someone who is moved around to exploit opposing defenses.
“I feel like in the slot you get to see a lot more, right now, right then and there. When you’re in line, hand in the dirt, obviously you have to look up, you have to evade defensive ends, outside linebackers. So really just, in the slot, just being able to look up, understand the snap count and really just it from there,” Likely said. “And I’d say, really, I just excelled in my game on just being a chess piece, whether it was in the slot, back field, in line, out wide, just being out there, being the chess piece to be able to get any play done.”
Giants TE Isaiah Likely Speaks on Aggressive Jump Ball Mindset
Another area of Likely’s game that was brought up was his ability to rise up and make catches in traffic. He is not someone who shies away from going for a jump ball, especially in instances when it can result in a momentum-swinging play for the offense.
“Understanding that the quarterback is trusting you with the ball to go up and make a play,” Likely told reporters. “Whether it’s catching it for a big gain, catching it and going for six or just not making not a bad play worse, and that’s just the mantra I have when the ball’s in the air of it’s my ball or nobody’s, and that’s just the mantra I get.”
Given his versatility and hungry mindset as a receiver, Likely has a chance to be a major X-factor for the Giants this season.
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