Back in March, the New York Giants' signing of tight end Isaiah Likely was met with some criticism. The 26-year-old has never been a primary tight end and is coming off the worst statistical season of his four-year career.
Just a few months later, the move is starting to look a whole lot better. The tight end market has exploded after two recent contract extensions at the position. First, the Atlanta Falcons dished out a massive deal to Kyle Pitts. Then, the Jacksonville Jaguars followed it up with a big payday for Brenton Strange.
Suddenly, the Giants' deal with Likely seems like a bargain. This move should only look better over time.
Kyle Pitts, Brenton Strange extensions make Giants' Isaiah Likely signing look like a steal
When the G-Men signed Likely to his 3-year, $40 million contract, he became the seventh-highest-paid player in the league at the position, based on average annual value (AAV). While his fit in New York's offense and his familiarity with John Harbaugh made the connection obvious, the money the Giants gave him certainly raised some eyebrows.
Now, his contract ranks tenth at the position in AAV. That's much easier to stomach.
The Falcons' three-year, $54 million agreement with Pitts puts their former top-five draft pick fourth among tight ends in AAV. While Pitts had a strong finish to the 2025 season, he hasn't come close to living up to his pre-draft hype as a generational tight end prospect.
In fact, Likely posted better numbers across the board than Pitts did in 2024. He beat the Falcons' tight end in total yards, touchdowns, and yards per route run. Both players function primarily as pass catchers, not offering much in the blocking game, and the difference in impact isn't enough to warrant the difference in pay.
Strange is a different archetype of tight end, operating more as a blocker than Likely does. His three-year, $48 million deal puts him eighth among tight ends, a couple of spots ahead of Likely.
Strange was a key player for the Jaguars in 2025, but he only has one year of impressive production. He isn't much more proven than Likely is at this point in his career.
Tight end contracts are only going to continue to roll in. Top players at the position, like Tucker Kraft and Sam LaPorta, are about to get paid. When they do, Likely's deal will look even better than it already does.
Add us as a preferred source on Google