New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has been heavily forecasted to have a breakout year in 2026 throughout the offseason. With training camp right around the corner, his outlook remains bright.
The Athletic’s Dan Duggan believes Likely is the breakout candidate to watch for the Giants this coming season, with his prowess as a receiver set to propel him toward a big year.
This needs to be Likely for the Giants. The three-year, $40 million contract the Giants gave Likely was the richest handed out by the team in new coach John Harbaugh’s first offseason. No one batted an eye at the Giants making Likely the fourth highest-paid tight end in the league because his receiving talent is evident. But Likely never topped 42 catches or 477 yards in four seasons with the Ravens while operating in three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews’ shadow. Now Likely is the Giants’ unquestioned No. 1 tight end after following Harbaugh from Baltimore, and the team needs his production to match his compensation.
Likely recorded 307 receiving yards in 2025 as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. He had a career year in the previous season, recording 477 receiving yards and six touchdowns, but his numbers are expected to balloon this season in New York.
As a featured part of the Giants’ offense, Likely will not only be positioned to increase his statistical output but also see a variety of additional looks that he did not receive while playing behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore last season. This could make his breakout extend beyond the stat sheet in how he helps the team expand its offense in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ Isaiah Likely named breakout candidate to watch in 2026
Reporting by Matt Legros, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Matt Legros, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
