‘Young Travis Kelce’ holds key for Jaxson Dart’s giant second season in New York
The New York Giants made one under-the-radar move in the offseason that spells good news for Jaxson Dart.
The Giants are entering a new era, and they have plenty of reason to be excited under new head coach – and Super Bowl champion – John Harbaugh.
Despite their 4-13 record, New York showed glimpses of how promising their future could be, with Jaxson Dart at quarterback.
Having traded up – and back into the first round – to take Dart in 2025, the Giants benched Russell Wilson and turned to the Ole Miss quarterback after an 0-3 start.
In 12 starts, the rookie threw for 2,272 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while leading the Giants to four wins.
New York made one under the radar move this offseason that should allow Dart to take the next step, that is according to the recently dismissed Ryan Clark.
“When you think about the way (Isaiah Likely) was paired with Mark Andrews in Baltimore, he was the guy that gave you the explosive play, the guy that could stretch you down the seam,” Clark said.
“Now, with Jaxson Dart, to give him an outlet closer to the line of scrimmage and closer to the tackle box … he could have the effect of a young Travis Kelce on this New York Giants offense.”
Kelce is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends of all time, and the physical comparison isn’t far off.
At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Likely brings a similar blend of size and downfield athleticism that Kelce built his legendary career on in Kansas City.
Likely was always thought to be Mark Andrews future replacement for the Baltimore Ravens.
However, Baltimore handed their tight-end a three year extension in the middle of 2025, sending a clear message to Likely that his future was elsewhere.
His three-year, $40 million contract with New York marked the most expensive signing of the offseason their new head coach Harbaugh.
In his four years with the Ravens, Likely amassed 1,568 yards with 15 touchdowns, providing to be a serviceable backup to Andrews.
After years of flashing elite potential in Baltimore’s shadowed tight end room, Likely finally gets the chance to prove he can carry an offense as a true No. 1 option.
“This needs to be Likely for the Giants,” The Athletic’s Dan Duggan said, predicting the tight end will be the breakout star for the franchise in 2026.
“No one batted an eye at the Giants making Likely the fourth highest-paid tight end in the league because his receiving talent is evident.
“But Likely never topped 42 catches or 477 yards in four seasons with the Ravens while operating in three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews’ shadow.
“Now Likely is the Giants’ unquestioned No. 1 tight end after following Harbaugh from Baltimore, and the team needs his production to match his compensation.“
By bringing Likely over from Baltimore, Harbaugh has given Dart a proven option who can stretch the field and ease the pressure in his sophomore season.
If Likely produces like a top tight end, the offseason signing could turn out to be the exact move Dart needs to take that next step.
The Giants get their training camp underway in West Virginia on July 28, with all eyes on their Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.
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