Isaiah Likely Signs One-Year Deal with Ravens Amid 2026 Free Agency

May 8, 2026 — The Baltimore Ravens announced on Tuesday that tight end Isaiah Likely agreed to a one‑year, $7.5 million contract, officially returning for the 2026 campaign. The deal, finalized before the start of free agency, gives the veteran a chance to solidify his role in a revamped offense under offensive coordinator Greg Olson.

Likely, who posted 54 receptions for 608 yards and three touchdowns in 2025, will line up alongside rookie tight end Luke Musgrave and veteran Mark Andrews in a three‑tight‑end grouping that aims to stretch defenses horizontally. The contract includes $3 million guaranteed and a $2 million roster bonus payable at the start of training camp.

What does Isaiah Likely bring to Baltimore’s offense?

Likely provides a blend of size, reliable hands and route‑running precision that fits Olson’s play‑action heavy scheme. In 2025 he ranked third on the team in target share (12.4%) and posted a career‑high catch‑rate of 71% on 75 targets. His ability to line up in the slot and run quick slants creates mismatches against linebackers, a factor the Ravens hope to exploit in the red zone.

How does the contract affect Baltimore’s salary‑cap landscape?

The one‑year pact slots Likely’s cap hit at $7.5 million, freeing roughly $2 million compared with his previous three‑year, $23 million deal. That flexibility allows the front office to allocate additional cap space toward a potential upgrade at defensive end in free agency. According to Sports Illustrated, teams often use short‑term extensions to preserve flexibility while retaining proven talent.

Key Developments

• Likely’s new contract includes a $1 million incentive for reaching 600 receiving yards.
• The deal marks the first time since 2022 that the Ravens have retained a tight end without a long‑term extension.
• Ravens head coach John Harbaugh praised Likely’s work ethic, noting his 2025 film study sessions added 30 minutes per week.
• Likely will wear jersey number 86, freeing number 85 for rookie Musgrave.
• His guaranteed money represents a 40% increase over the guaranteed portion of his previous contract.

What’s next for Isaiah Likely and the Ravens?

Likely will report to the team’s first voluntary workout on May 20, where he’ll run a series of route concepts designed to sync with quarterback Tyler Huntley’s quick‑release style. The tight end’s experience should help the Ravens improve their third‑down conversion rate, which sat at 38.2% last season. If Likely hits his incentive targets, he could become a free‑agent bargain in 2027, giving Baltimore a potential trade chip before the next draft.