ESPN’s Dan Graziano has made a bold call for the 2026 season, naming tight end Isaiah Likely the Giants’ singular “Breakout Star.” This prediction carries weight given the massive financial commitment the team made to secure him in March. The Giants handed Likely a three-year, $40 million contract to bring him from Baltimore, where he spent his first four NFL seasons. It is a huge gamble on a player who has never topped 500 yards in a single year, but the coaching staff sees something others might miss.
The Harbaugh Connection
There is a clear reason for the optimism surrounding Likely’s arrival. He did not just sign a deal; he moved to New York alongside head coach John Harbaugh. This shared history changes the dynamic immediately. According to heavy.com, “Giants coaches light up when talking about Likely, the free agent signee who came over from Baltimore with coach John Harbaugh.” That energy is not just hype; it is built on trust and a shared system. The staff knows his work ethic because they have watched him grow under Harbaugh’s guidance for years.
Coaches believe his skill set fills a specific void in the offense. They see him as a versatile weapon who can handle different defensive schemes. “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,” per heavy.com. This versatility is exactly what a second-year quarterback needs to feel comfortable. Dart does not have to worry about a mismatch; he has a target who can go anywhere on the field.
A Rapid Bond With Dart
The most telling sign of Likely’s potential is his relationship with quarterback Jaxson Dart. Reports from training camp in West Virginia show a rapid chemistry forming between the two. During two weeks of practice, Likely “emerged as the No. 1 target for 2nd-year quarterback Jaxson Dart,” according to heavy.com. This is not a slow build; it is an immediate connection that the coaching staff loves to see.
The bond goes beyond just practice drills. “They love the way he has embraced and evolved his relationship with Dart since he has been in New York,” per heavy.com. Likely is “a regular visitor to the quarterbacks room,” and that extra work is paying off. The connection he has formed with Dart “on and off the field could pay major dividends” for the entire offense, according to the same report. This is the kind of chemistry that turns a good passing game into a great one.
The Roster Bet
The Giants made their roster moves with Likely in mind, cutting other options to clear the way for him. The team “only kept five wide receivers on their 53-man roster, in part because of their belief in Isaiah Likely,” per reports. They need him to step up, especially with Malik Nabers recovering from injury and Odell Beckham Jr. returning to action. The offense finished 21st in passing last season, and they need Likely to help Dart improve that number.
While Likely has not had a breakout year yet, the pieces are now in place for him to succeed.He is a strong candidate to be the team’s second-leading receiver this season, and the staff thinks he could end up as Dart’s favorite secondary target. The $40 million investment looks smart if this chemistry continues to grow.
