Among the top positions that the Patriots will inevitably attempt to upgrade this offseason is tight end, and they will fortunately have some good options to consider pairing with Hunter Henry for the 2026 season.
One of the top candidates remains Ravens' star Isaiah Likely, who has put together some impressive seasons early in his career, and Patriots fans can't help but focus on the potential he could bring to the offense, especially since he is from Massachusetts.
Over the last four years, Likely has become a rising name among tight ends, recording 135 receptions for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns. Although he has never amassed more than 500 yards in a season, he has plenty of growth left to attain in his young NFL career and could learn from one of the best by working closely with Henry.
Making the entire situation even better is his apparent desire to join the Patriots, which fans noticed from his social media activity last week.
Isaiah Likely hints at wanting to join his hometown team ahead of his first free agency
As Likely becomes a more popular name in Patriot Nation, fans have been taking to social media to express their opinions about Likely signing with the team in free agency.
One fan even made the bold statement, telling the tight end to come home, referencing Massachusetts, and Likely liked the comment, creating an online stir that Patriots fans couldn't help but talk about for days after.
Isaiah Likely liked a comment on his IG post saying “come back home bro”
— diam (@wtfdiam) February 14, 2026
Likely is from Cambridge. #NePats pic.twitter.com/MgbLv6752J
At just 25 years old, Likely has already shown the kind of potential that could make him a star in New England, and he would have an excellent mentor in Henry to get that going.
Not only that, but Josh McDaniels loves to use tight ends in his offense, so that makes Likely an easy fit for what they're trying to do with the game plan moving forward. Getting more reps would only make him a stronger player, and he is already an impressive blocker, which the Patriots might appreciate and use more than any other team.
Because they want to build the roster for the future, emphasizing youth and development to create a solid foundation, Likely would be an easy addition.
He could slide right into Austin Hooper's spot on the roster, assuming he won't be re-signed, and become an integral part of the offense for Maye. There might even be a way to get him in the door for cheaper than other teams, since he would be playing for his hometown team, which makes the idea even better.