The New York Giants have reached an agreement with former Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely on a three-year contract, according to a source who spoke to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move will reunite Likely with head coach John Harbaugh, under whom he previously played in Baltimore.
Likely, who entered the league with the Ravens, developed a reputation as an athletic pass-catching tight end with the ability to line up in multiple spots on offense. His combination of size, hands and route-running made him a versatile option in Baltimore’s attack and a frequent mismatch against linebackers and safeties. By joining the Giants, he brings that experience and skill set to a new offensive system while maintaining continuity with a familiar head coach.
Harbaugh’s past work with Likely in Baltimore provides a clear foundation for their renewed partnership in New York. The coach already has an understanding of the tight end’s strengths, preferred usage and practice habits, which can help streamline Likely’s transition into the Giants’ program. That familiarity can also aid in communication, expectations and role definition as the team moves through offseason work and into the regular season.
From a roster-construction standpoint, adding Likely gives the Giants another proven option at tight end, a position that has grown increasingly important across the league as offenses emphasize flexibility and matchup advantages in the passing game. Tight ends who can threaten defenses vertically, work the seams and contribute in the red zone are highly valued, and Likely’s track record with the Ravens suggests he can contribute in those areas when given opportunities.
Contract terms beyond the three-year length were not disclosed. The agreement is part of New York’s broader effort to refine its offensive personnel and add reliable receiving targets. While the exact structure of the deal and Likely’s precise role in the Giants’ offense remain to be seen, the reunion with Harbaugh underscores the organization’s confidence in the tight end’s potential impact.
The signing also continues a recent trend of coaches bringing in players they previously worked with, leveraging established relationships and knowledge of a player’s on-field and off-field approach. For the Giants, the addition of Likely represents a targeted move to bolster depth and versatility, while for the tight end it offers an opportunity to build on his early career under a coach who already knows how to maximize his strengths.
