Travis Kelce’s name invoked as Giants’ Isaiah Likely aims for elite tight end impact

Travis Kelce’s reputation as the NFL’s premier tight end is now a yardstick for Isaiah Likely as the Giants’ new tight end enters a bigger spotlight in New York.

What happened?

ESPN analyst Ryan Clark tipped Isaiah Likely to deliver a Travis Kelce-style impact for the New York Giants in 2025. Likely, who spent four seasons backing up Pro Bowler Mark Andrews in Baltimore, joined the Giants this offseason after head coach John Harbaugh’s staff followed him from the Ravens. Clark made the Kelce comparison on NFL Live, arguing Likely’s blend of speed and red-zone skill could unlock explosive plays in coordinator Matt Nagy’s offense.

Likely’s Ravens résumé includes 135 catches, 1,568 yards, and 15 touchdowns over four years. His 2024 line-42 receptions, 477 yards, six scores-peaked in a single season. The Giants already have Theo Johnson at tight end, but Likely figures to see extra targets behind Malik Nabers, who may miss early-season action while recovering.

Why it matters for Travis Kelce

Kelce’s name carries weight because it signals elite two-way production: yards after the catch, seam-stretching speed, and touchdown reliability. Clark’s comparison frames Likely as a potential breakout piece who can ease the Giants’ transition while Nabers rehabs. If Likely hits the Kelce mold, expect 60-70 grabs, 800-plus yards, and five to eight touchdowns-numbers that would instantly place him among the league’s top tight ends.

The Giants’ offense needs that kind of firepower. Nabers is the clear centerpiece, but a healthy Likely would give New York a dangerous 1-2 punch at tight end and tighten the middle of the field. Clark’s take underscores how quickly a complementary role can bloom when the right pieces align.

What comes next?

Training camp begins with Likely slated for a larger role than he ever had in Baltimore. Johnson’s 45 catches last year show the Giants already trust the tight end position, but Likely’s speed and Andrews ties give Nagy a proven schematic fit. The early-season absence of Nabers only raises the urgency for Likely to step up.

If Likely delivers, the Giants could field one of the league’s most dynamic tight end duos. If not, the pressure shifts back to Nabers to return at full strength. Either way, the Kelce comparison gives Likely a clear target-and a built-in narrative heading into September.

The Giants open the 2025 season on September 7 against the Cowboys in Dallas. Likely’s first chance to prove Clark right arrives in Week 1.