Giants' acquisition of Isaiah Likely reshapes their offense

"Tight end Isaiah Likely, the Giants' most expensive offseason acquisition to date, should alter the Giants' on-field product most. His presence changes the look and function of their offense. Likely is signing a three-year deal worth $40 million that could reach up to $47 million because Harbaugh is betting that without the presence of former All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews ahead of him in the pecking order he's about to explode into the player his talent dictates."

"Likely joins promising young tight end Theo Johnson, whom the Giants rave about behind closed doors. Team and league sources believe they will be used on the field together with regularity. It makes perfect sense. The Ravens used 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) third most in the NFL last year at 35.9%."

"For the sake of culture, schematics and, frankly, better football, this was the intended direction during the first two days of the negotiating window. Everyone from a punter to a fullback to a versatile defensive back to their second-choice tight end was brought in this week from the Crabcake State to the Big Apple."

The New York Giants made significant moves on the first day of the NFL's legal negotiating window, signing seven players with four having previous connections to the Baltimore Ravens. Under new head coach John Harbaugh, the Giants are implementing a strategic transformation centered on offensive scheme and personnel. Tight end Isaiah Likely became the team's most expensive offseason acquisition, signing a three-year deal worth $40 million with potential to reach $47 million. Likely will join young tight end Theo Johnson, with both expected to be used together regularly. The Giants also added former Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard. This approach mirrors Baltimore's offensive strategy, which utilized two-tight-end formations on over 50% of plays, establishing a familiar system and culture under Harbaugh's leadership.

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