Giants' Isaiah Likely Emerges as Young Travis Kelce Comparison

Giants' Isaiah Likely Emerges as Young Travis Kelce Comparison

Ryan Clark, a former ESPN analyst, has compared Isaiah Likely, the New York Giants' new tight end, to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. Clark believes Likely can be a game-changer for the Giants, citing his potential to make explosive plays.

What happened?

The Giants signed Isaiah Likely to a three-year, $40 million contract this offseason, giving him a new opportunity to become the starting tight end for the organization. Likely played 14 games for the Ravens last season, starting in seven. He finished the 2025-26 campaign with 27 receptions, 307 yards, and one touchdown, all of which are career lows.

Why it matters for Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce, the Chiefs' star tight end, didn't take off until his fourth season in the league. Kelce split playing time with Anthony Fasano in the first three years of his career before finally taking over in the 2016-17 campaign. Becoming the lone starter is how he was able to forge the rest of his highly successful NFL career.

What comes next?

Isaiah Likely needs a big turnaround to showcase any abilities that are similar to Kelce. Clark believes Likely will have a huge year with the Giants in the 2026-27 season. "Be very patient with Malik Nabers," Clark said. "I believe Isaiah Likely could be a huge reason why you can be patient. When you think about the way [Likely] was paired with Mark Andrews in Baltimore, he was the guy that gave [the Ravens] the explosive plays… I believe [Giants' offensive coordinator] Matt Nagy understands how to utilize a tight end. He could have a young Travis Kelce effect for this New York Giants offense."

The Giants seemed to have seen enough to give Isaiah Likely the chance to prove himself. Likely has never been the No. 1 option as a tight end throughout his career so far. Mark Andrews was a big reason for that. But the Giants have faith in Likely's potential to make a difference in the 2026-27 season.

Ryan Clark's comparison to Travis Kelce is not unfounded. Likely has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, and Clark believes he can be a game-changer for the Giants. With Malik Nabers' injury status remaining unclear, Likely may have the opportunity to step up and make a name for himself in the NFL.

The 2026-27 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the New York Giants, and Isaiah Likely is at the forefront of it all. With his potential to make explosive plays and Clark's comparison to Travis Kelce, Likely is definitely one to watch.

Giants' offensive coordinator Matt Nagy understands how to utilize a tight end, and Clark believes Likely could have a huge year with the Giants. The 2026-27 season is full of possibilities for Likely, and only time will tell if he can live up to the hype.

Isaiah Likely's career is at a crossroads, and the 2026-27 season will be a crucial test of his abilities. With the Giants' faith in him and Clark's comparison to Travis Kelce, Likely is ready to take on the challenge.

The New York Giants are counting on Isaiah Likely to make a difference in the 2026-27 season. With his potential to make explosive plays and Clark's comparison to Travis Kelce, Likely is definitely one to watch.

Giants' tight end Isaiah Likely has drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. Ryan Clark believes Likely can be a game-changer for the Giants, citing his potential to make explosive plays.

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