Eagles, Commanders, and Chiefs Named Possible Suitors for Electric $17 Million Tight End

By Mike Moraitis | 12 Hours Ago

The Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and Kansas City Chiefs are all expected to be in the market for a new starting tight end this offseason. With free agency just around the corner, all three teams are likely eyeing Isaiah Likely, the talented and versatile tight end from the Baltimore Ravens, who is projected to land a two-year, $17.6 million deal, according to Spotrac.

Likely has made a name for himself as an explosive playmaker in the passing game, but his future in Baltimore is uncertain. With the Ravens already committed to Mark Andrews as their top tight end, Likely is expected to find a new home this offseason, and the Eagles, Commanders, and Chiefs are all likely suitors. Let’s take a closer look at each team’s situation and how Likely could fit into their plans.

The Tight End Market: Why These Teams Are Looking for a New Starter

The tight end position is a critical part of many NFL offenses, and this offseason, teams like the Eagles, Commanders, and Chiefs all find themselves in need of a new starter at the position. Let’s break down the situation for each team:

Philadelphia Eagles: A Strong Fit for Likely, But Cap Concerns Loom

The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL in recent years, and their offense has been led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and a formidable group of weapons, including tight end Dallas Goedert. However, Goedert is slated to become a free agent in 2026, and with cap space concerns, the Eagles may not be able to re-sign him. If the Eagles lose Goedert, they will likely need to look for a new starting tight end, and Isaiah Likely could be an excellent fit.

Likely is an athletic and versatile tight end who can stretch the field and provide big-play ability in the passing game, something the Eagles would value in a replacement for Goedert. The Eagles’ offense is built on dynamic weapons at all skill positions, and Likely would fit right in as a reliable receiving target for Hurts. However, the Eagles’ cap situation is currently tight, and they may need to restructure contracts or make other moves to afford Likely. Still, they remain a strong contender to sign him, especially if they miss out on re-signing Goedert.

Washington Commanders: The Front-Runner for Likely

While the Eagles are a strong contender, the Washington Commanders are viewed as the best landing spot for Isaiah Likely this offseason. The Commanders are in the market for a starting tight end to replace Zach Ertz, who is not only a free agent but also coming off a torn ACL injury in 2025. There is also the possibility that Ertz could retire, further opening the door for a new face at the tight end position in Washington.

Isaiah Likely could provide the speed and athleticism that the Commanders’ offense has been lacking at the tight end position. Likely’s ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with his size and athleticism would be a great addition to the Commanders’ offensive scheme. The addition of Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator and his emphasis on developing young talent could also play a role in helping Jayden Daniels, the quarterback of the future, grow with a dynamic weapon like Likely at his disposal.

Another key advantage the Commanders have over the Eagles and Chiefs is cap space. The Commanders are sitting on over $40 million more in cap space than the Eagles, giving them a significant edge in terms of financial flexibility to sign a player like Likely. If Washington is serious about upgrading at tight end, they are well-positioned to make Likely one of their top targets this offseason.

Kansas City Chiefs: A Potential Option if Travis Kelce Retires

The Kansas City Chiefs may be the dark horse in the Likely sweepstakes. Travis Kelce, the future Hall of Fame tight end, remains one of the best pass-catching weapons in the NFL, but his future is up in the air. Kelce could retire after the 2026 season, and if he does, the Chiefs will be left with Noah Gray as their only viable option at tight end. While the Chiefs have been incredibly successful with Kelce as their centerpiece, they will need to address the position if he decides to step away from the game.

If Kelce retires, the Chiefs will be in the market for a starting tight end, and Isaiah Likely would be an intriguing option. Likely’s ability to contribute in both the passing game and run blocking would make him a perfect complement to the Chiefs’ offense, which is built on dynamic weapons like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. However, if Kelce does return for another season, the Chiefs are unlikely to pursue Likely, as they would not want to spend significant resources at a position where they already have one of the best players in the league.

Isaiah Likely’s Impact: A Versatile Weapon for Any Offense

Isaiah Likely has proven himself to be an explosive playmaker during his time with the Ravens. Known for his ability to make big plays downfield, Likely is a true weapon in the passing game. His speed, athleticism, and size make him a difficult matchup for defenders, and he has the potential to be a game-changer for any team that signs him.

Beyond his pass-catching ability, Likely is also a capable blocker, making him an every-down asset for any offense. Whether as a receiver or as a blocker, Likely brings versatility and the ability to contribute in multiple ways, which would make him a valuable addition to the Eagles, Commanders, or Chiefs.

Ranking the Landing Spots: Commanders Lead the Way

When ranking the potential landing spots for Isaiah Likely, the Washington Commanders are the frontrunners, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles, with the Kansas City Chiefs trailing behind due to the uncertainty surrounding Travis Kelce’s future. The Commanders’ ample cap space and clear need for a starting tight end put them in the best position to secure Likely’s services.

That said, the Eagles and Chiefs should not be counted out. If the Eagles are unable to re-sign Goedert, they may make a strong push for Likely, and the Chiefs will be a player if Kelce retires. However, Washington’s financial flexibility and immediate need for a starting tight end give them the edge in this race.

Conclusion: Likely to Make a Big Impact Wherever He Goes

As the offseason approaches, Isaiah Likely is poised to be one of the most sought-after tight ends on the market. His combination of speed, athleticism, and versatility makes him a perfect fit for many NFL offenses. While the Washington Commanders have the advantage in terms of cap space and need at the position, the Eagles and Chiefs will also be in the mix depending on their tight end situations.

Wherever Likely ends up, he has the potential to be a game-changer and a top target for his new team, providing both a big-play threat and a reliable blocking option. The 2026 offseason will likely see Isaiah Likely take the next step in his career, and whichever team signs him will be adding a dynamic weapon to their roster.