The New Orleans Saints are heading into the 2026 free agency period with some money to spend for once. Isaiah Likely
Just a few years ago, all signs were pointing to Likely being the successor to Mark Andrews. However, the former Baltimore Ravens tight end is now heading to free agency for the first time in his career. As the offseason goes on, it looks more and more likely that Likely will find himself playing for a new team next season.
His career includes 135 receptions for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns in 63 games, and regardless if he returns to Baltimore or not, he believes he can benefit a team. "I say just because of all the adversity I went through, whether it be negative plays, injury-wise, or walking with God, I understand that everything happens for a reason," Likely told reporters. "That helps me to not dwell on the kind of player I am. At the end of the day, I know what kind of player I am."
Isaiah Likely could shift how Kellen Moore approaches the Saints offense
If Isaiah Likely and the Saints reach an agreement on a contract, it could be the team's most notable free agent signing this year because of a tight end they already have on their roster: Juwan Johnson. The current TE1 in New Orleans is coming off of a career year and is heading into the offseason with a full head of steam. However, it might best serve both of them if they were actually on the field at the same time.
One problem with that, though. 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends, two wide receivers) is something that the Saints only used on an occasion (16.84%) in 2025. That was 24th in the league. The team primarily used 11 personnel. They deployed that 66.7% of the time (the fourth most in the league.)
Johnson and Likely have the potential to make that kind of shift worth it. The defense will have to defend both tight ends, increasing the chances of one of them, or someone else on offense, making a play. Furthermore, having two effective tight ends is something that has proven to be successful in the NFL. Most recently evident in the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears, a one-two punch in the form of tight ends is something that has elevated teams to playoff caliber.