Baltimore's Rising Star Tight End Set for Massive Contract Extension
By 813 Staff
The Ravens' front office has been quietly preparing for a significant decision at tight end, and now the projection is out in the open. Baltimore is expected to let Isaiah Likely walk in free agency, with the 25-year-old projected to land a four-year deal elsewhere, according to MLFootball (@MLFootball). League sources confirm the Ravens have been weighing their options at the position for weeks, and the writing appears to be on the wall.
Likely emerged as a legitimate weapon in Baltimore's offense over the past two seasons, particularly after Mark Andrews dealt with injuries. The Coastal Carolina product showed impressive versatility, lining up inline and in the slot while flashing reliable hands in the red zone. Those close to the situation say Likely is seeking a contract that reflects his growing role, something in the neighborhood of what mid-tier starting tight ends command on the open market.
The front office has been monitoring the tight end market closely, knowing they face a challenging calculation. Mark Andrews remains the centerpiece at the position, locked in through 2026 with significant cap implications. Bringing Likely back at his projected asking price would mean committing substantial resources to a position where they already have an established star. That's a luxury few teams can afford in today's salary cap environment.
From Baltimore's perspective, this comes down to roster construction philosophy. The organization has historically preferred to allocate premium dollars to the trenches and the secondary, letting complementary offensive pieces hit free agency when their price tags exceed internal valuations. This situation fits that pattern perfectly. Likely proved he can be a starter somewhere, and another franchise will likely pay him accordingly.
For Likely, the projection suggests a meaningful payday is coming. A four-year commitment would provide long-term security and the opportunity to be a featured target rather than playing second fiddle to a Pro Bowler. Teams desperate for pass-catching help at tight end will be circling when the legal tampering period opens.
The Ravens will need to address depth behind Andrews, whether through the draft or a veteran minimum signing. They've shown an ability to identify tight end talent in the middle rounds before, and general manager Eric DeCosta has earned trust in that area. What remains uncertain is whether Baltimore will make any last-minute push to retain Likely at a team-friendly number, though those close to the negotiations suggest both sides have already begun preparing for a parting of ways.
