Isaiah Likely was expected to secure a lucrative contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens before the 2025 NFL season, but a broken foot during training camp abruptly ended those plans. The injury, combined with a disappointing season, led the Ravens to instead sign veteran tight end Mark Andrews to a three-year, $39 million deal midway through the year. Now entering free agency for the first time, Likely has the opportunity to command a significant contract, potentially surpassing Andrews’ deal.
Likely Could Make a Surprising Move to the Cleveland Browns
A bold prediction suggests Likely might reunite with former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who is now the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. This potential move would allow Likely to face Baltimore twice annually as a divisional rival. CBS analyst Emory Hunt explained the fit for Likely with the Browns:
“In all seriousness, when you look at (the Browns) offense, they’re trying to get better on that side of the ball,”
Hunt said.
“That’s where Isaiah Likely comes in, with his familiarity with Todd Monken. The Browns will want to add someone who wants to be the guy, but can also work well with an up-and-coming tight end prospect in Harold Fannin Jr.”
Debate Surrounding Isaiah Likely’s Value in Free Agency
Opinions on Likely’s future vary considerably within the NFL. Some insiders warn that offering him a high-priced deal could be a risky mistake. NBC’s Matthew Berry noted,
“It’s likely Isaiah Likely will be moving on (in free agency). The league seems mixed on him after an up-and-down year. Some people love him, but Baltimore seems content to let him leave and as one league source said to me, ‘someone is gonna be stupid and pay Isaiah Likely a ton of money.’ For what it’s worth, I’m a Likely fan and believer, but I definitely got mixed reviews on him from the league.”
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay placed Likely at the top of his “Buyer Beware” list for 2026 NFL free agents, pointing to the effects of his injury and inconsistent performance. Kay wrote,
“Isaiah Likely has been a popular breakout candidate for several years, but the Baltimore Ravens tight end has mostly spent his NFL career working behind Mark Andrews in the team’s pecking order. Likely will finally get a chance to emerge from the three-time Pro Bowler’s shadow in 2026. While he’s a good bet to catch on as a primary pass-catching option for one of the many teams lacking a playmaker at the position, expectations should be tempered after he failed to realize the sky-high potential he displayed earlier in his career.”
Possibility of Likely Returning to His Massachusetts Roots
Isaiah Likely has given subtle clues about his preferred destination during free agency by engaging with fans on social media. JPA Football reported,
“TRENDING: Free agent TE Isaiah Likely, who grew up in Massachusetts, liked a comment on his IG post telling him to ‘come back home.’ The Patriots are loaded with cap space and will likely have an aggressive offseason in terms of acquiring talent to try reaching the Super Bowl again.”
Likely was raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and attended Everett High, known for its strong football program, before making a name for himself at Coastal Carolina.
What Likely’s Free Agency Could Mean for the AFC
The uncertainty surrounding Isaiah Likely’s next team adds tension to the tight end market this offseason, especially given his combination of size, skill, and prior success. Whether he ends up with the Browns, leveraging his familiarity with Todd Monken, or returns closer to home in New England with the Patriots, his decision will have notable implications for the AFC’s offensive dynamics. Teams seeking to reinforce their tight end positions will watch this free agency period closely, as Likely’s choice may shift divisional balances and playoff outlooks.
With the NFL's legal tampering period beginning Monday at noon, @FBallGameplan put on his GM hat to give us 5 Bold Free Agency Predictions. Watch: pic.twitter.com/It1UnZlthW
— Sudu (@sudu_tv) March 8, 2026
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Free agent TE Isaiah Likely, who grew up in Massachusetts, liked a comment on his IG post telling him to “come back home”
The Patriots are loaded with cap space and will likely have an aggressive offseason in terms of acquiring talent to try reaching the Super… pic.twitter.com/zm9GbRXuY0
— JPA (@jasrifootball) February 15, 2026
