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One Free Agent TE Is Worth Exploring for the Vikings
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- One Free Agent TE Is Worth Exploring for the Vikings
Jay Biggerstaff
Depending on the outcome of T.J. Hockenson's offseason, the Minnesota Vikings could be tight end shopping in free agency or the draft, and pending the Baltimore Ravens ' decision-making, Isaiah Likely might be a productive fit in Kevin O'Connell's offense .
Likely's upside as a receiver is legit, and Minnesota's interest would come down to cost, role, and whether the offense wants a tight end who wins more routes than blocks.
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The Ravens will deliver a Likely verdict in the next eight weeks, and if he hits the open market, expect Likely to be a popular target for Minnesota among fans.
Isaiah Likely Might Just Fit the Vikings' Roster
Likely to Minnesota could check some boxes.
Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely turns upfield after a first-quarter catch against Buffalo at Highmark Stadium, Jan 19, 2025, in Orchard Park. The divisional-round snap showcased Likely's athleticism in space as Baltimore leaned on its tight ends to generate offense during a physical postseason matchup under playoff pressure. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Likely's Free Agent Status
Last month, the Ravens extended tight end Mark Andrews' contract for three years, a transaction that surprised some folks, as Likely felt like the TE1 in 2026 and beyond. Most NFL fans thought the Ravens would pick Likely over Andrews, sending Andrews to free agency. They did the opposite.
NFL insider Ari Meirov tweeted , "Isaiah Likely is set to become a free agent after this season, so this Mark Andrews' extension indicates that Likely is probably going to be allowed to test the open market and find a new team in free agency. Many had thought he's the future at the TE position."
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Likely will indeed have a robust market, as electric 25-year-old tight ends on the doorstep of their prime don't often hit free agency. All signs point to that for Likely, with free agency less than two months away.
Hockenson's Future
Hockenson's 2025 stat line landed well below his established standard: 51 catches, 438 yards, three touchdowns. That drop didn't happen in isolation. Minnesota cycled through uneven quarterback play, and the passing game never found stable footing for anyone, tight ends included.
The bigger problem came up front. Injuries along the offensive line forced the coaching staff into protection-first decisions, and Hockenson became part of the fix. O'Connell acknowledged it midseason: Hockenson's role had changed. He was asked to block, chip, and stabilize edges far more than attack downfield.
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Christian Darrisaw returned early from his ACL tear, but the line never fully normalized. To compensate, Hockenson functioned as a sixth lineman, absorbing work that doesn't show up in fantasy box scores or any highlight footage. To the naked eye, it looked like a decline.
His ability hasn't died, though. Hockenson is still 28. A team willing to treat him like a receiver again could unlock production that never had room to bloom in 2025. Hockenson just needs targets on Sundays.
Likely's Production through Four Seasons
Baltimore found Likely in Round 4 of the 2022 NFL Draft , and he's lurked as a possible blue-chip tight end since. The problem? He's always stuck as the TE2 behind the aforementioned Andrews. The Ravens' re-signing of Andrews might've put a damper on the plan for Likely to bust out as a TE1 in Baltimore.
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Likely, too, frequently has a knack for the big catch when the Ravens need him the most. His pass- and run-blocking will need refinement with O'Connell's coaching staff , but that's expected for a young tight end.
Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely takes the field during pregame warmups at M&T Bank Stadium before facing Buffalo, Sep 29, 2024, in Baltimore. The moment captured Likely preparing for an AFC matchup as his role within Baltimore's offense continued to expand entering the heart of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Likely's numbers to date:
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2022: 60 Tgts | 36 Rec | 373 Yds | 3 TDs
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2023: 40 Tgts | 30 Rec | 411 Yds | 5 TDs
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2024: 58 Tgts | 42 Rec | 477 Yds | 6 TDs
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2025: 36 Tgts | 27 Rec | 307 Yds | 1 TD
He had an 11% target share with the Ravens this season; the best TE1s in the NFL usually double that. In theory, with his next team, the stats above could double.
Other Suitors
SI.com 's Nick Raducanu predicted the Kansas Chiefs last week as Likely's likely landing spot in free agency.
He explained , "Could Likely be the Travis Kelce replacement in Kansas City? With Kelce potentially headed toward retirement, Likely could step in as the TE1 for the Chiefs and would thrive as one of Patrick Mahomes' main weapons. With Kelce's future very much uncertain, Kansas City is a team to watch."
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"While the Rams, Patriots, and Commanders are all interesting options, we're going to predict that Isaiah Likely signs with the Kansas City Chiefs for 3 years and $30 million. With Travis Kelce retiring in this scenario, Likely would have a clear path to TE1 fantasy value in 2026."
In addition to the Chiefs and Ravens, Raducanu also mentioned the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots as sensible destinations.
He noted on the Patriots fit, "Likely is a Massachusetts native and could consider coming home to play alongside MVP candidate Drake Maye. The Patriots like to employ two-tight end sets and would see Likely as a younger upgrade to Austin Hooper alongside Hunter Henry."
"While he wouldn't see a massive fantasy bump in New England, Likely would move into the TE2 range if he signs with the Patriots."
Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely reaches for a pass during first-half action against Cincinnati at M&T Bank Stadium, Nov 27, 2025, in Baltimore. The play reflected Baltimore's continued reliance on Likely as a receiving option as defenses tightened coverage during divisional play late in the season. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers could be in play, as well, after George Kittle tore his Achilles on Sunday.
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Likely will turn 26 one week before the draft. Spotrac estimates his average annual value at $9.1 million per season.
