East Rutherford, New Jersey — The New York Giants entered the 2026 season with major expectations surrounding their new offensive identity under head coach John Harbaugh.
The spotlight has naturally focused on quarterback Jaxson Dart, running back Cam Skattebo, and wide receiver Malik Nabers.
However, one newcomer has quietly become one of the most intriguing names inside the Giants organization.
That player is tight end Isaiah Likely, who followed Harbaugh from Baltimore to New York during free agency.
The move was initially viewed as a reunion between a coach and a trusted offensive weapon.
Now, analysts believe it could become one of the most impactful additions of the Giants’ offseason.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter recently identified Likely as one of the top fantasy football sleepers to target late in drafts.
Schefter’s reasoning centered around opportunity, role, and the absence of competition that limited Likely’s production in Baltimore.
"Likely followed his head coach to the Giants in free agency so he can be the No. 1 tight end. There’s no Mark Andrews around to block him anymore. He finally enters a situation where his talent, athletic ability, and receiving skills can be fully utilized. With John Harbaugh’s confidence and a new offensive system designed to maximize his strengths, Likely has a legitimate opportunity to become one of the biggest breakout candidates at the tight end position this season."
For years with the Ravens, Likely showed flashes of being a dangerous receiving threat but remained behind All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews.
Whenever Andrews was unavailable, Likely demonstrated his ability to create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs.
The Giants believe that version of Likely can become his permanent identity in New York.
The team signed him to a three-year, $40 million contract this offseason, showing significant confidence in his future.
Harbaugh’s familiarity with Likely played an important role in the decision.
During their time together in Baltimore, Harbaugh watched Likely develop from a promising prospect into a reliable offensive weapon.
Now, the Giants believe he can become a major part of Jaxson Dart’s development as a young quarterback.
Early reports from the organization suggest coaches have been impressed by Likely’s preparation and chemistry with Dart.
His frequent presence in quarterback meetings has reportedly helped establish trust before the regular season begins.
While Nabers remains the centerpiece of the passing attack, Likely could become one of the most valuable secondary options.
ESPN analyst Dan Graziano also highlighted Likely as a potential breakout player for the Giants.
The belief around New York is that his combination of size, speed, and route-running ability creates matchup problems.
For fantasy football managers, Likely represents the type of player who could deliver significant value at a lower draft position.
The biggest question remains whether he can finally turn opportunity into consistent production.
After never recording more than 500 receiving yards in a season, Likely enters unfamiliar territory as the primary tight end.
But with Harbaugh’s system, Dart’s development, and increased opportunities, the circumstances are completely different.
The Giants are betting that Isaiah Likely’s best football has not yet been played.
And according to Adam Schefter, the rest of the NFL may soon discover why New York believes in him.
