New York Giants fans have spent the offseason hearing how tight end Isaiah Likely is poised to thrive, especially with Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton recovering from injuries.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan agrees that a tight end could emerge as one of Jaxson Dart’s favorite targets, though Likely isn’t the only one on his list.
Raanan included third-year tight end Theo Johnson among the usual breakout candidates, a group that includes Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin, and rookie Malachi Fields.
Raanan also mentioned Odell Beckham Jr., who officially joined the Giants earlier this month and is expected to be a full participant in OTAs next week.
“It needs to be someone with Nabers' return date unknown,” Raanan wrote.
Theo Johnson makes perfect sense as a breakout candidate
Even if Johnson’s numbers take a slight decrease following Likely’s arrival, that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute.
In fact, Giants fans should plan on seeing plenty of Johnson.
Johnson quietly had 45 catches for 528 yards and five touchdowns last year. He is expected to play a pivotal role in the Giants’ two-tight end sets after Daniel Bellinger signed with Brian Daboll and the Titans.
Of the six players that Raanan listed, Johnson is the only one who has played with Dart.
Likely and Beckham both played for Harbaugh in Baltimore, though they’re adjusting to a new team and new offensive coordinator. Matt Nagy has never worked for Harbaugh, though both come from the Andy Reid coaching tree.
The Chiefs and Ravens extensively incorporated two receiving tight ends in their offenses. Travis Kelce’s superstardom allowed Noah Gray to go under the radar, and Gray quietly averaged 30 catches and 307 yards in three seasons under Nagy.
Likely flashed while playing behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore, hence Harbaugh’s repeated optimism throughout the offseason. The Giants felt similarly, guaranteeing Likely $26 million in free agency.
Johnson has shown he can handle a moderate workload, and his 6-foot-6, 264-pound frame makes him an excellent goal-line target.
There is no reason to think Harbaugh and Nagy would deviate from what has worked for them before. Likely played at least 40% of the Ravens’ offensive snaps in each of his four seasons.
Gray saw the field for at least 52% of the Chiefs’ snaps the last four years. Kansas City won two titles during that time, and Giants fans know full well that every contribution to a championship team matters.
A strong 2026 season could also be great news for Johnson’s bank account. He has two seasons left of team control and is eligible for an extension next spring.
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