The New York Giants are already tipped to lose a key target for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart in 2026 NFL free agency, but fortunately, the team has a “serious” plan for replacing wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. A plan involving signing a dynamic pass-catcher from the Baltimore Ravens.
A report from ESPN’s Jordan Raanan on Monday, March 9, mere hours before the window for teams to negotiate with free agents opens at 12 p.m. ET, revealed the target of this strategy, tight end Isaiah Likely.
Raanan revealed “the #Giants are expected to be among the serious suitors for TE Isaiah Likely. Obviously there is the John Harbaugh connection from Baltimore. It would be adding an offensive weapon to mix with them likely losing Wan’Dale Robinson in FA.”
It would be adding an offensive weapon to mix with them likely losing Wan’Dale Robinson in FA.
The negotiating window opens at noon.
Adding Likely would give Dart a more dynamic roving target than Robinson. Provided Likely finally realizes his potential as a mismatch from anywhere on a formation, and provided the Giants can beat a number of Likely’s other suitors, including a rival from the NFC East.
Competition Growing for Isaiah Likely
A crowd is forming for Likely’s signature ahead of the (un)official opening of this year’s veteran market. Aside from the Giants jockeying with a divisional foe, they may also have to compete with one of last season’s Super Bowl participants.
There is also speculation one of the Ravens’ AFC North neighbours will be in the mix. As well as another AFC team undergoing a rebuild.
It’s a lengthy queue, but none of the other interested parties boast the inside track the Giants possess. Namely, the presence of John Harbaugh, Likely’s head coach in Baltimore the last four seasons.
Harbaugh is naturally predicted to target former Ravens in free agency, but Likely is arguably the one with the greatest upside. That potential would be welcome at an ongoing position of need for the Giants, despite Big Blue already making a move on the depth chart, but the greater need would be replacing Robinson.
Giants Need Credible Wan’Dale Robinson Replacement
The Giants welcoming back a veteran blocking tight end makes sense when Harbaugh is widely anticipated to construct a more physical, run-first offense. Yet, what’s still missing is a game-breaking receiving threat in the rotation.
It’s a role 2024 NFL draft fourth-round pick Theo Johnson has yet to grow into. The same is true of 2022 second-rounder Daniel Bellinger, who is also a free agent.
Likely qualifies as an after-catch playmaker who can create multiple matchup problems for defenses. The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder is big enough to body defensive backs, but quick enough to leave linebackers trailing in zone coverage.
That’s the theory anyway, but so far Likely has promised more than he’s delivered during his brief career in the pros. He’s never caught more than 42 passes, nor tallied 500 yards, in a single campaign.
The numbers are less than inspiring, but Likely still has the physical attributes to reach the ceiling Harbaugh believed he had in Baltimore. A ceiling perhaps higher than the one Robinson will reach.
A natural slot receiver, Robinson has also flattered to deceive, even though the 25-year-old topped 1,000 yards for the first time last season, and has attracted a number of suitors before free agency starts.
Those keen on Robinson will need to overlook his struggles developing into a consistent playmaker after the catch. He’s averaged a mere 4.3 yards after catch per reception since entering the pros. Drops have also been an issue for Robinson, who let 10 passes get away during the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Reference.
Putting Likely in 5-foot-8, 185-pound Robinson’s place as the quick check-down artist and dynamic chain-mover Dart needs would suit the bigger, more bruising offense Harbaugh wants.
Giants ‘Serious’ About Signing Ravens Free Agent to Replace Wan’Dale Robinson