Isaiah Likely appears to be wasting no time becoming a key part of the New York Giants' offense.
Ahead of the 2026 season, Likely and Jaxson Dart have already formed a strong connection in training camp, a sign that the tight end could quickly become one of Dart's most trusted targets. That matters because Likely was viewed as one of the Giants' most celebrated free agent signings, and the early reports suggest he may already be living up to that billing.
The opportunity has also grown because Malik Nabers is still working through rehab and has not been taking part in team drills. With one of the top receiver options unavailable, Likely has had more chances to work with Dart and build timing in practice.
Why Isaiah Likely's role is growing
The situation is simple: if Nabers is not fully ready, targets have to go somewhere else. Jordan Raanan summed it up this way: "If Nabers isn’t healthy, Likely will be a favorite of Dart," and that is the most direct way to view the early camp connection.
Likely's presence also stands out because of his background. Four seasons before this training camp, he spent four seasons with John Harbaugh and the offensive coaches who followed him from Baltimore, giving him the kind of experience that can help him settle in quickly with a new quarterback and a new system.
That combination of familiarity, opportunity and early chemistry is what makes the story worth watching. Training camp connections do not guarantee regular-season production, but they can point to how an offense is likely to function once games begin. For the Giants, Likely has given Dart a dependable option early, and that can matter a lot while the rest of the receiving group gets healthy.
There is still time for the pecking order to change before the 2026 season begins. But if the early signs hold, Isaiah Likely may already be on his way to becoming Jaxson Dart's favorite target.
