Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely is set to test free agency for the first time after four seasons with the team. While expressing strong affection for Baltimore, Likely acknowledges the business side of the NFL. He aims to find a role where he can fully develop his skills as an athletic pass-catcher.
Isaiah Likely, a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, has spent four years with the organization that drafted him despite interest from only one of the 31 other teams. As free agency looms just weeks away, Likely shared his thoughts on the Gruden Goes Long podcast, highlighting his gratitude toward Baltimore while remaining open to other opportunities.
"I love Baltimore. They took the chance on me when all 31 didn't," Likely said. "At the end of the day, I tell everybody Baltimore is home for me. But business is business, so I'm really just seeing what's going to happen."
The Ravens face several contract decisions that could impact their pursuit of Likely. Wide receiver Zay Flowers becomes a free agent in 2027 and will need a new deal, quarterback Lamar Jackson's contract likely requires an extension to manage his $74.5 million cap hit in 2026, and center Tyler Linderbaum is eligible for a new agreement. Tight end Mark Andrews and wideout Rashod Bateman received extensions in the past year, with Andrews signing a three-year deal in December. Baltimore currently holds about $22 million in projected cap space, which could increase with a Jackson restructuring.
Likely's 2025 season was hampered by a broken bone in his foot, causing him to miss the first three games and not feel fully recovered until Thanksgiving. "I didn't really feel like myself until about Thanksgiving and that's when I was able to do everything I'm able to do with the ball," he noted. His stats reflected the injury: 27 receptions for 307 yards and one touchdown, all career lows.
Over his career with the Ravens, Likely has recorded 135 catches for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns, often complementing veteran Mark Andrews, a red-zone specialist. The duo provides a mix of speed and size, but Andrews' recent extension may signal Baltimore's priorities at the position.
Looking ahead, Likely seeks a bigger role. "I just want to be able to blossom," he said. "The last couple years, I've had a great vet in Mark Andrews, where he taught me everything to be a star-caliber tight end to the point where it's like now I just want to be on a team where I can get out there and help a quarterback, help a team be able to put as much points on the board as possible." Whether that happens in Baltimore or elsewhere remains uncertain.
