After the Carolina Panthers exceeded expectations in 2025, many fans hope the franchise returns to playoff contention in 2026. As free agency approaches, the team is predicted to sign a versatile receiving weapon to help Bryce Young and the offense maintain their momentum.
NFL Analyst Suggests Panthers Sign Explosive Tight End
PFSN’s Jacob Infante has published an article outlining a detailed breakdown of the top 100 free agents, including potential landing spots, projected contracts, and more.
Notably, Infante ranked Isaiah Likely as his No. 4-ranked tight end and No. 67overall free agent. He added that the tight end is expected to earn a two-year deal worth $10.9 million annually and listed the Panthers as a potential destination.
Infante wrote: “All things considered, I’d argue Isaiah Likely is better than his numbers indicate. He’s had to battle with the likes of Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar for snaps in the Ravens’ tight end room, yet he’s still managed to average over 400 receiving yards each of the last two seasons.”
He added, “If you want to see Likely’s impact, his quarterbacks have averaged a passer rating of 124.3 in his four seasons with Baltimore. In the last two seasons, Lamar Jackson has been healthy and posted a passer rating above 135.0 in both. He’s dropped just 2 of his 80 targets over the last two years, as well.”
Despite operating behind Andrews throughout his Ravens career, Likely has consistently remained highly effective. In 2023, he posted a 77.0 score in PFSN’s TE Impact Metric, which ranked No. 15. The following season, building on that progression, he achieved an 80.8 impact score and placed No. 9.
After dealing with injuries and missing multiple games this past season, Likely finished with a 74.4 Impact Score, ranking 29th among tight ends. However, the disappointing season can be attributed more to the Ravens as a whole, considering the offense ranked 20th among all units in 2025.
Moreover, Likely served as Baltimore’s TE2. With Andrews already signed long term, Likely may be motivated to explore new opportunities, making the Panthers an appealing fit, as Infante projected.
In comparison, Carolina’s tight end group in 2025, featuring Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, and Ja’Tavion Sanders, recorded finishes of 40, 41, and 51, respectively, according to PFSN. Should Likely join the team, he would likely immediately slot in as the top option and earn a legitimate TE1 opportunity for the first time in his career.
Between Young, 2025 first-round WR Tetairoa McMillan, and an explosive 15-TD tight end in Likely, the Panthers offense would be filled with talent and could return to competing for the top spot in the NFC South in 2026.
