Isaiah Likely

Isaiah Likely looks like one of the more interesting fantasy tight end breakout bets for 2026 after landing with the New York Giants on a three-year, $40 million deal, which signals a clear plan for him to be featured in the offense. Recent fantasy coverage projects him as the Giants’ TE1 and suggests he could take a major step forward with a larger target share than he ever had in Baltimore.

The appeal is straightforward: Likely spent four seasons sharing work with Mark Andrews in Baltimore, and that capped his volume even when his efficiency flashed. In 2024, he showed what he can do when given room to operate, finishing with 42 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns, and fantasy analysts point to that season as proof that his ceiling is higher than his past box scores suggest.

The situation in New York also looks favorable for early-season usage. Malik Nabers is still working back from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 season, and that uncertainty could push more passing-game responsibility toward Likely right away, especially with the Giants relatively thin at wide receiver behind Nabers. Recent projections have him in the range of a solid every-week starter, with one set of 2026 estimates at 66.4 catches, 792.2 yards, and 5.6 touchdowns, which would put him firmly on the fantasy TE1 radar.

For fantasy managers, Likely profiles as a strong mid-round target with real top-10 upside if the target volume materializes. The main concern is not talent but usage: he is joining an offense that may still spread the ball around, and Theo Johnson’s presence could limit his weekly ceiling. Even so, the combination of a new contract, a likely featured role, and a path to immediate targets makes Likely one of the better upside bets at tight end for 2026.

Updated 06/08/2026