The New England Patriots are exploring ways to enhance their offensive weapons for quarterback Drake Maye this offseason. While much attention centers on adding wide receivers, the team is also evaluating tight ends to strengthen the downfield attack and create more scoring opportunities.
Isaiah Likely Emerges as a Potential Target in Free Agency
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports suggested that the Patriots could pursue free agent tight end Isaiah Likely, naming him in a list of bold predictions for NFL free agency. Sullivan pointed to the Patriots’ offensive scheme under Josh McDaniels, which often prioritizes tight ends, making Likely a strategic fit.
New England needs to surround Drake Maye with more weapons, and most believe that’ll come via securing a wide receiver. However, don’t sleep on Isaiah Likely being a target for the Patriots either,
Sullivan wrote.
Josh McDaniels-run offenses have heavily featured the tight end position, and Hunter Henry is set to play in the final year of his contract in 2026.
Local Talent with Proven Receiving Ability
Isaiah Likely, a Massachusetts native from Cambridge, carries the appeal of both performance and locality for New England. Over four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Likely consistently surpassed 300 receiving yards annually, peaking in 2024 with 42 receptions, 477 yards, and six touchdowns.
That creates a sneaky need for the franchise, and Likely, who turns 26 in April, flashed the potential to be a dominating receiving threat over his tenure in Baltimore. Not only would Likely find himself aligned with an MVP-caliber quarterback inside a tight end-friendly offense, but this would also be a homecoming for the Massachusetts native.
– Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports
Potential Impact on Patriots’ Offense
Adding Likely could provide Maye with a versatile and reliable option across the middle, complementing New England’s existing pass catchers and possibly easing pressure on their wide receiver group. With Hunter Henry’s contract concluding in 2026, securing a tight end like Likely might address a growing positional need while reuniting a local player with a New England franchise eager to bolster its passing game for the upcoming seasons.
