Isaiah Likely

NFL player. Position: TE. Team: NYG.

Quick Facts

Position: TE
Team: NYG (New York Giants)
Bye week (2026): 8
FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 117

2026 Outlook

Moved to the Giants as a free agent after climbing ladder behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore. Operating as a big slot receiver in a role that creates fantasy-friendly usage opportunities under new OC Matt Nagy. Malik Nabers is the No. 1 target, but Likely steps into the clear No. 2 target role immediately. The Giants desperately need reliable pass catchers, and Likely's ability after the catch creates major fantasy intrigue despite being a tight end by position. (per 12 High-Upside Fantasy Football Draft Picks (2026))

Giants' new OC Matt Nagy employs a Chiefs-influenced system with shotgun-heavy approach (71% in Chicago) and screen game emphasis. Nagy's history with productive TEs: Cole Kmet saw 93 targets (career-best) in 2021 under Nagy, Travis Kelce produced multiple TE1 seasons in KC. Likely's formation mismatches (slot alignment, pass-catching emphasis) align perfectly with Nagy's scheme. He could reach 100+ targets in first Giants season, operating with safe 4-target floor every week (per New York Giants: John Harbaugh, Matt Nagy & 2026 Fantasy Football Impact). No longer blocked by Mark Andrews, free from tight end depth chart logjam. (per 2026 Fantasy Football: Heath Cummings' Breakouts 1.0)

FantasyPros projects "Clear TE1 upside" with strong breakout potential in PPR formats, calling him an excellent late-round tight end target. His slot-receiver usage under Nagy should unlock consistent target volume in a pass-needy offense. (per 12 High-Upside Fantasy Football Draft Picks (2026))

Likely could finish second on the Giants in receptions and first in receiving touchdowns if he establishes himself in Nagy's system. With the Giants' receiving corps thin behind Malik Nabers, Likely fills a critical need. The coaching staff's historical preference for tight ends further boosts his appeal. (per 10 Fantasy Football Bold Predictions & Hot Takes for 2026)

Role / Depth Chart

No. 2 TE in New York offense; slots frequently, functioning more like a big slot receiver than an inline tight end.

Injury Status

Healthy entering 2026 season.

Recent News

2026-05-28 — 2026 Schedule: Breaking down the Giants' changes, concerns and more - Dallas Cowboys (2026 Schedule: Breaking down the Giants' changes, concerns and more - Dallas Cowboys)
2026-03-08 — New York Giants 2026 free agency tracker: Signings, cuts, restructures and more (New York Giants 2026 free agency tracker: Signings, cuts, restructures and more)
2026-05-27 — NFL trade offers for Coleman, Kmet, Richardson, Thibodeaux (NFL trade offers for Coleman, Kmet, Richardson, Thibodeaux)
2026-05-27 — What will Browns Denzel Boston's role be on offense in 2026? (What will Browns Denzel Boston's role be on offense in 2026?)
2026-03-10 — Fantasy Football Impact: Falcons Sign Tua Tagovailoa (Fantasy Football Impact: Falcons Sign Tua Tagovailoa)
2026-05-28 — SI's 2026 Ranking of the NFL’s Coach-QB Duos (SI's 2026 Ranking of the NFL’s Coach-QB Duos)
2026-03-12 — 2026 NFL Free Agency Moves & Fantasy Football Impact (2026 NFL Free Agency Moves & Fantasy Football Impact)
2026-05-24 — Field Yates' fantasy football PPR rankings: Top 160 for 2026 (Field Yates' fantasy football PPR rankings: Top 160 for 2026)
2026-05-08 — 2026 Fantasy Football Offseason Risers and Fallers: Rashee Rice a top five WR, RJ... (2026 Fantasy Football Offseason Risers and Fallers: Rashee Rice a top five WR, RJ...)
2026-05-22 — Quarterback battles, rookie debuts headline 10 early NFL OTA observations (Quarterback battles, rookie debuts headline 10 early NFL OTA observations)

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Sources

(receipts — every claim above should link to a source here)