Some people expect the New York Giants to contend with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East next season, and tight end Isaiah Likely could play a key role. The Giants aren’t sitting on their hands this offseason, as general manager Joe Schoen leaped into free agency and picked up former Baltimore Ravens tight end Likely on a three-year, $40 million deal.
What did this former NFL star have to say about the signing?
Dez Bryant Says Isaiah Likely Makes Giants a Threat in NFC East
The Giants didn’t exactly feature fireworks at tight end last season; Theo Johnson held his own with 45 receptions for 528 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns (73.5 PFSN TE Impact). Schoen, however, aims to equip new head coach John Harbaugh with sound depth on both sides of the ball.
Despite Johnson being under contract through 2027, the GM went out and got an exciting tight end in Likely to bolster the position group. Legendary Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant is convinced that Likely’s signing adds to the Giants’ chances of claiming the NFC East.
“This signing makes my analysis correct!” Bryant tweeted. “Likely Cold! He will be the #1 tight end in NY…. Makes sense why Dallas locking in the way they are! Cowboys and Giants will be competing for the NFC east! You heard it first here! Eagles and Commanders won’t be a thing this coming year!”
This signing makes my analysis correct! Likely Cold! He will be the #1 tight end in NY…. Makes sense why Dallas locking in the way they are! Cowboys and Giants will be competing for the NFC east! You heard it first here! Eagles and Commanders won’t be a thing this coming year! https://t.co/eAH53qlKci
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) March 9, 2026
Despite injuries hampering his progress, as well as playing behind Mark Andrews, Likely did a solid job of establishing himself in the league as he played out his rookie deal in Baltimore. Across his four seasons of catching passes from Lamar Jackson, he put up 135 receptions for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns.
What Likely Could Bring to New York
In New York, he’ll have a chance to become a true superstar in an offense where he’s expected to be the No. 1 tight end. Playing under Harbaugh, with Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator Matt Nagy running the offense, Likely will serve as key support for quarterback Jaxson Dart, who’s entering his second year under center.
The Giants should see a fresh start under Harbaugh following a 2025 season in which they saw their head coach fired at 2-8 (Brian Daboll) and finished 4-13. Now, with significant coaching changes, a more experienced quarterback, and a key weapon at tight end, the sky is the limit in the Big Apple.
It’ll be interesting to see if everything comes together the way Big Blue fans have been yearning for years.
