As the Carolina Panthers prepare for the 2026 season, the team is targeting tight end Isaiah Likely in free agency to provide their quarterback, Bryce Young, with a more reliable weapon in the passing game. This move aims to build on the Panthers’ promising 2025 campaign and enhance offensive production moving forward.
Analyst Jacob Infante from PFSN highlighted Likely as a strong fit for Carolina, noting the tight end’s ability to contribute significantly despite limited snaps in Baltimore. Adding Likely could offer the Panthers a proven, versatile target to complement Bryce Young and their existing receiving corps.
Isaiah Likely’s Performance and Market Value in Free Agency
Jacob Infante recently released a comprehensive review of the top 100 NFL free agents, projecting Isaiah Likely as the fourth-best tight end available and ranked 67th overall. Infante expects Likely to command a two-year contract averaging $10.9 million per year, with Carolina among the possible destinations.
Infante emphasized Likely’s impactful play in Baltimore, stating,
“All things considered, I’d argue Isaiah Likely is better than his numbers indicate. He’s had to battle with the likes of Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar for snaps in the Ravens’ tight end room, yet he’s still managed to average over 400 receiving yards each of the last two seasons.”
– Jacob Infante, PFSN Analyst
He further pointed out Likely’s reliability, adding,
“If you want to see Likely’s impact, his quarterbacks have averaged a passer rating of 124.3 in his four seasons with Baltimore. In the last two seasons, Lamar Jackson has been healthy and posted a passer rating above 135.0 in both. He’s dropped just 2 of his 80 targets over the last two years, as well.”
– Jacob Infante, PFSN Analyst
Comparing Tight End Impact and Potential Role in Carolina
Despite sharing the field with Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar, Likely has consistently delivered strong performances. In 2023, he ranked 15th among tight ends with a 77.0 impact score and improved to ninth place with an 80.8 score in 2024. Although injuries affected his 2025 season, reducing his ranking to 29th, the overall offensive struggles of the Ravens contributed to that decline.
With Likely serving as Baltimore’s secondary tight end, the prospect of a starting role in Carolina presents a significant opportunity. The Panthers’ current tight end group, including Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, and Ja’Tavion Sanders, each ranked outside the top 40 in impact, indicating a clear opening for Likely to assume a lead role.
The addition of a productive tight end like Likely, combined with first-round receiver Tetairoa McMillan and Bryce Young’s talents, could elevate the Panthers’ offense. This trio has the potential to reestablish Carolina as a top contender in the NFC South in the upcoming season.
Broader Implications for Panthers’ Offense in 2026
By signing Isaiah Likely, the Panthers would address a key area of need, providing Bryce Young with a reliable target who can consistently create mismatches and contribute to scoring opportunities. Likely’s proven low drop rate and high passer ratings when targeted highlight his value as a dependable receiver.
Strengthening their tight end position could have a cascading positive effect on the Panthers’ overall offensive efficiency and ability to compete within a competitive NFC South division. The team’s front office appears motivated to build on the momentum from the last season by acquiring free agents who can make an immediate impact.
