New Giants Tight End Named Breakout Candidate in 2026

The New York Giants only kept five wide receivers on their 53-man roster, in part because of their belief in Isaiah Likely.

So it’s no surprise ESPN’s Dan Graziano named a breakout season for the new Giants tight end as his bold prediction for the 2026 NFL season.

Likely signed a three-year, $40 million contract this offseason, moving to New York from Baltimore alongside Giants head coach John Harbaugh. Despite flashes of brilliance, Likely has never had a 500-yard season in his first four years in the NFL.

Isaiah Likely Named Breakout Candidate by ESPN’s Dan Graziano

The Giants are paying big money for Likely, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make a huge impact this season. But the fact that he’s finally out of Mark Andrews’ shadow in Baltimore, and will have a bigger role in the Giants offense, should lead to greater production.

“Giants coaches light up when talking about Likely,” Graziano wrote Wednesday. “They believe he’ll be a real asset for Jaxson Dart as a receiver and think he can win in both man and zone coverage.”

Though Malachi Fields has been called the Plaxico Burress-style security blanket of the Giants offense, Likely could end up being Dart’s favorite secondary target behind Malik Nabers. The rapport between Dart and Likely is already strong, according to Graziano.

“They love the way he has embraced and evolved his relationship with Dart since he’s been in New York,” Graziano wrote. “Likely is a regular visitor to the quarterback room, and the connection he has formed with Dart on and off the field could pay major dividends.”

The Giants Need Isaiah Likely to Break Out

It may seem like a bold prediction leaguewide for Likely to break out, but the Giants offense needs him to aid Dart’s development and help the offense improve after finishing 21st in passing in 2025.

Keeping only five wideouts is a notable bet, especially with Nabers and Darius Slayton still recovering from serious injuries, Fields entering as a rookie, and Odell Beckham Jr. having not played in the NFL last season.

But the Giants undoubtedly made their roster decisions with Likely’s breakout in mind. With Likely in the mix, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will still have three receiving threats even when he runs 12 or 21 personnel, with fullback Patrick Ricard capable of lining up as a second tight end or running back.

That further opens up both the rushing attack and the play-action passing game, where Dart can best exploit the 6-foot-4, 241-pound tight end as a matchup nightmare, especially in the middle of the field.