"A young veteran tight end who is cited by Pro Football Focus as their fourth-best tight end in free agency is Baltimore's Isaiah Likely. Snaps: 1,798 | PFF grade: 69.1 Likely had a down year in 2025 but earned an eighth-ranked 77.1 PFF receiving grade in 2024. It's worth noting that he was likely hindered in 2025 by a foot injury suffered in training camp. Given that Likely will be just 26 years old when the 2026 campaign begins, it wouldn't be surprising to see him have a big market in free agency."
"Tight end is a sneaky need for the Patriots. They have 31-year-old veteran Hunter Henry back, but their 2025 backup, Austin Hooper, is a free agent and may not be. In addition, the position screams for a young tight end to take the position when Henry leaves."
The New England Patriots face multiple roster needs heading into free agency on March 9, including offensive line, edge rushers, and wide receivers following Stefon Diggs' release. A lesser-emphasized but important need exists at tight end. While veteran Hunter Henry remains, backup Austin Hooper is a free agent who may leave. The Patriots should consider adding two tight ends: one established player in free agency and one young prospect in the draft. Isaiah Likely, a 26-year-old from Everett, Massachusetts, represents an intriguing free agency option. Ranked fourth among available tight ends by Pro Football Focus, Likely earned a 77.1 receiving grade in 2024 despite a down 2025 season hampered by a foot injury. His hometown connection and youth make him a compelling candidate for development.
Read at Musket Fire
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]