The Washington Commanders are looking to get younger and more explosive on offense this offseason. Free agent tight end Isaiah Likely checks both of those boxes. At only 25 years old, Likely could only be scratching the surface of his potential. His 307 receiving yards and single touchdown in 2025 were an outlier in his four-year career. In each of his first three seasons, he increased his yards and touchdowns, with his best year coming in 2024.
GettyBaltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely recorded 42 catches for 477 yards and 6 touchdowns during the 2024 NFL season.
Likely has had to split time with Mark Andrews in the tight end room in Baltimore, so putting him in a situation where he could receive nearly double the workload is enticing. When asked about joining the Commanders and the potential of being a featured tight end, Likely responded with notable excitement on the Up & Adams podcasts.
“It’s going to get scary,” Likely stated.
Scary is an accurate answer for the thought of Likely being paired with quarterback Jayden Daniels. Likely has flashed elite play-making ability as a receiving option. The mismatch he creates for linebackers causes consistent problems for defenses. Likely’s versatility makes him a dream prospect for new offensive coordinator David Blough, as he can move him all over the field. Entering year three, Jayden Daniels’ development is the top priority for Washington. Signing a new, reliable, and explosive target like Likely should be high on the Commanders ‘ list.
Isaiah Likely’s Upside Makes Him a Steal for the Commanders
Likely is projected to sign a two-year contract with an average annual salary of $8.8 million, according to Spotrac. The Commanders have the fifth most cap space heading into next season. The word most synonymous with Isaiah Liekly is upside. In his limited action, he has displayed big-play ability and number-one tight-end potential.
Dean Jones of Ricco’s Rag lists him as a “supreme threat after the catch”. His athleticism is off the charts. Placing him in offensive coordinator David Blough’s system would continue to help the development of Jayden Daniels as he enters year three. Moreover, Likely would add a dynamic element to a tight end room that vastly needs it.
The State of the Commanders’ Tight-End Room Is A Mess
GettyWashington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz recorded 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games last year.
Washington’s tight end room is a bit all over the place at the moment. The previous top option, Zach Ertz, is returning from a torn ACL he suffered in December in the Commanders’ Week 14 matchup againstthe Minnesota Vikings. Despite Ertz being on pace to be cleared for the start of next season, he is a free agent and is 36 years old. His upside is limited despite his familiarity with quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders drafted Ben Sinnott in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft; however, he has yet to display true playmaker ability. Across his first two seasons, Sinnott has recorded 16 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns. The final option is John Bates, who has been an effective role player for the team over his first five seasons. However, he has never recorded more than a single touchdown in any of those years or more than 20 catches in a season.
The Commanders are lacking a true playmaker at the position that scares defenses. Isaiah Likely checks every box for them and should be a top target as the free agency period officially opens up on March 9th.
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