Giants’ Jaxson Dart finds new favorite target with Malik Nabers injured

John Harbaugh will have plenty of questions to answer in his first year as head coach of the New York Giants. At the moment, one of the biggest is who is playing wide receiver.

With both Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton down, the Giants have turned to free agents such as Odell Beckham Jr. and Juju Smith-Schuster. But quarterback Jaxson Dart has another pass catcher he has been favoring. It hasn’t taken long for tight end Isaiah Likely to make an impact, via Dan Duggan of the Athletic.

“Likely, who never had more than 477 yards receiving in four seasons in Baltimore, should be a featured piece of the Giants’ offense after seeing a career-low 36 targets last season,” Duggan wrote. “Likely was quarterback Jaxson Dart’s favorite target in open practices this spring, with the athletic tight end proving to be dangerous on crossing routes. Expect the Giants to manufacture touches for Likely on screens.”

The Giants signed Likely to a three-year, $40 million contract over the offseason. He had spent his entire NFL career previously playing for Harbaugh on the Baltimore Ravens. When the head coach joined the Giants, Likely followed.

Over his four years in Baltimore, Likely caught 135 passes for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns. While he had a down 2025 season – 27 grabs for 307 yards and a touchdown – the tight end set new career-highs with 42 receptions for 477 yards and six touchdowns. Harbaugh clearly believes he can be a difference maker.

Early on, so does Dart. With New York’s top options out, it’s not shocking that Likely is shining. But already developing a strong chemistry with your starting quarterback is crucial. Throughout the rest of the offseason, Dart and Likely will be looking to build upon their foundation and become a lethal duo.

The post Giants’ Jaxson Dart finds new favorite target with Malik Nabers injured appeared first on ClutchPoints.