Before the start of the 2025 season, one of the biggest topics surrounding the Baltimore Ravens was whether the team would re-sign their star veteran tight end, Mark Andrews, or pay their ascending star tight end, Isaiah Likely. That question has been answered with the Ravens handing Andrews a three-year $39.3 million extension with $26 million guaranteed. The deal likely ensures that Andrews will remain a Raven for the rest of his career and signals to Likely that he will test the free-agent market.
Likely, when asked about Andrews getting a new deal and how it would impact his future, he chose to celebrate his teammates’ good fortune rather than make it about himself. He told Josh Tolentino of the Baltimore Sun that he is just living in the moment.
“I just watched my brother get paid, so I just enjoy it. Just live in the moment,” Likely said.
Several teams next season will be in the market for either new tight ends or a complementary piece to the tight end they currently have. Likely will be a hot name in free agency this upcoming offseason, and there are a few teams that already make sense as a landing spot for him.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles, as far as starting tight ends go, have been among the more fortunate teams this past decade. From Zach Ertz to Dallas Goedert, the Eagles have always had a premier starting tight end. However, Goedert is set to become a free agent next season, and in the midst of a career year, he could command near top dollar at his position in free agency. At backup tight end for the Eagles is Grant Calcaterra, who, while a solid receiving tight end, is among the worst blocking tight ends in football, having caused several plays to fail this season.
Isaiah Likely could be the best of both worlds for the Eagles; he wouldn’t command the same amount of money as Goedert, and he also offers above-average run-blocking to go along with his receiving prowess. 2026 could see Likely make the quick Amtrak ride from Baltimore to Philadelphia.
Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts, when he was selected number four overall out of the University of Florida in the 2021 draft by the Atlanta Falcons, was supposed to be the next superstar tight end. However, circumstances have not fallen in Pitts’ favor in Atlanta, and have been made even worse by the slew of Pro Bowl and All-Pro talent selected after Pitts. 2025 is the last year of Pitts’ contract with the Falcons, and it may be in the best interests of both the player and the franchise to part ways.
Isaiah Likely could find himself being a great fit in Atlanta to complement Drake London in the passing game and block for Bijan Robinson in the running game. The quarterback situation in Atlanta is up in the air, with the team most likely moving on from Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. recovering from yet another knee injury. However, the addition of Likely could help stabilize what is still a promising offense skill-position.
Washington Commanders
When Zach Ertz signed with the Washington Commanders last season, the team could not have imagined that he would be as productive as he’s been toward the end of his career. Last season, Ertz had 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns, on the way to helping the Commanders to the NFC Championship game. This year, due to injuries, Ertz has often been the Commanders’ main receiving threat, putting up a respectable stat line of 49 receptions for 493 yards and four touchdowns at age 35.
Still, the Commanders could be looking to go in a younger direction next season, after fielding one of the oldest rosters in the NFL. Isaiah Likely could be the player for them with that in mind, and give quarterback Jayden Daniels a young player that he can grow with. Plus, Likely would still be playing on Sundays in Maryland.
Wherever Likely ends up, he will have great expectations placed upon him, and with what he has shown as a Raven in his four years with the team, he has a good shot of living up to them.
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