The New York Giants’ new-look offense is rapidly taking shape under the leadership of head coach John Harbaugh, and one name is generating more buzz than any other at the NFL Annual League Meeting in Phoenix: Isaiah Likely. After a high-profile reunion in free agency, Harbaugh made it clear this week that he expects his former Baltimore protege to become a household name in East Rutherford.
The Reunion: Why Harbaugh is "Certain" of a Likely Breakout
During his media session at the league meetings, Harbaugh didn't mince words when discussing the potential of his new tight end. Having coached Likely for four seasons in Baltimore, Harbaugh has seen the 25-year-old's talent firsthand, often in the shadow of All-Pro Mark Andrews. Now that Likely is the undisputed TE1 in New York, the coach is convinced the production will finally match the pedigree.
"I am certain that Isaiah is going to put up numbers here," Harbaugh told reporters. "He’s a playmaking football player. I have seen him in every kind of circumstance, and that’s a valuable thing to know. We can create a vision for him because we know exactly what he’s capable of when he’s the focal point."
The Giants backed up that confidence in March, signing Likely to a lucrative three-year, $40 million contract on the first day of the legal tampering window. The deal makes him one of the six highest-paid tight ends in the NFL, signaling a massive shift in his expected usage for the 2026 season.
Overcoming Injury: Likely’s Path to 100 Percent
While the excitement is high, Isaiah Likely is coming off a frustrating 2025 campaign that was derailed by health issues. His final year in Baltimore was marred by a broken bone in his foot suffered during training camp, followed by a calf injury late in the season. These setbacks limited him to career lows in yards (307) and touchdowns (1) last year.
However, Giants General Manager Joe Schoen provided a promising update on the tight end’s recovery. Schoen noted that Likely has been in constant communication with the staff and is scheduled to meet with team doctors in East Rutherford this week. "He’s in a good spot; he feels good," Schoen said. "We’re optimistic he’ll be ready to go for the start of the offseason program. We’ll ease him back, but the headspace and the physical progress are both where we want them to be."
Building Around Jaxson Dart: The New Giants Offense
The addition of Likely is part of a broader strategy by Schoen and Harbaugh to surround young quarterback Jaxson Dart with explosive weapons. With Malik Nabers established as the primary outside threat, Likely is expected to thrive as a versatile "matchup nightmare" in the middle of the field.
Harbaugh highlighted how Likely’s route-running and catch radius will specifically benefit Dart. "Jaxson is really going to like how Isaiah runs routes and gets into the quarterback’s line of vision," Harbaugh explained. "He can make people miss after the catch and get upfield. It gives us another dimension that’s hard to defend."
Key Roster Takeaways from the NFL Meetings
Beyond the excitement surrounding Likely, Schoen and Harbaugh touched on several other critical roster components during their time in Phoenix:
- Offensive Line: Harbaugh described the unit as a "work in progress," expressing confidence in young players like Evan Neal while acknowledging the need for further competition.
- Greg Van Roten: Schoen confirmed the veteran guard is currently a free agent and "no longer here," but noted the team remains in contact and he is "not out of the mix" for a potential return.
- Defensive Identity: Harbaugh emphasized that "stopping the run" is the top priority for the 2026 defense, citing the signing of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds as a cornerstone move for that philosophy.
As the Giants prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft in April, the foundation laid during free agency—headlined by the reunion of Harbaugh and Likely—has set a high bar for the upcoming season in New York.
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