EAST RUTHERFORD — John Harbaugh just raided his brother’s old cupboard. Less than 24 hours before the 2026 NFL free agency period officially opens on Wednesday, the New York Giants agreed to terms with two major pieces from Harbaugh’s former squad in Baltimore. Big Blue will sign tight end Isaiah Likely to a three-year, $40 million contract, according to The Athletic. They paired that move with a historic three-year, $12.3 million deal for All-Pro punter Jordan Stout, per ESPN. These aggressive early strikes instantly boost the weaponry around second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart and completely revamp the special teams unit.
Weapons Grade for Jaxson Dart
The Giants Isaiah Likely signing gives Dart the explosive middle-of-the-field mismatch he desperately lacked during his rookie campaign. Likely is not a static safety valve; he is a threat every time he touches the football. The 25-year-old boasts 135 career receptions for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns. Over his first four seasons, he piled up nearly half of his yardage after securing the catch. He enjoyed a career year in 2024, snagging 42 passes for 477 yards and six scores.
New York previously drafted Theo Johnson and re-signed Chris Manhertz, but Likely arrives as the undisputed primary option. He spent the last four seasons battling for targets behind Mark Andrews. Now, he gets the keys to the tight end room. You could feel the shift in offensive philosophy the moment this news broke. The move also signals the end of the line for Daniel Bellinger, who reportedly bolted for the Tennessee Titans to reunite with former Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
Locking Down Field Position
While Likely brings the fireworks, Stout brings the hammer. Harbaugh spent 18 years mastering the margins in Baltimore, and he just brought his favorite special teams weapon with him. Stout is coming off a sensational 2025 season where he earned First-Team All-Pro honors, averaging a booming 50.1 yards per punt. The $12.3 million contract shatters the ceiling for punters, making him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history. He will immediately replace Jamie Gillan, who expects to be released shortly.
You can already see Harbaugh’s fingerprints all over this roster. He watched Stout flip field position countless times during freezing, grind-it-out AFC North battles. Taking that weapon to the Meadowlands ensures the Giants defense, anchored by Brian Burns and 2025 top pick Abdul Carter, will regularly force opposing offenses to operate with a long, grueling field.
“I’m ready to be the guy. Playing with Lamar was incredible, but coming to New York to build something fresh with Jaxson Dart and Coach Harbaugh? That’s the opportunity you dream about. We’re going to light up the scoreboard.”
— Isaiah Likely, New York Giants Tight End (via representation)
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
These dual signings massively accelerate the Giants’ rebuild timeline. Harbaugh replaced Daboll in January with a clear mandate: return to the postseason immediately. The NFC East remains an absolute bloodbath, but adding a field-stretching tight end forces opposing safeties to respect the seam. That opens up the edges for second-year back Cam Skattebo and creates one-on-one matchups on the outside for Malik Nabers.
General Manager Joe Schoen still needs to address the interior offensive line. If Dart gets time to throw, this offense possesses the raw firepower to challenge the Eagles and Cowboys. Look for the Giants to target affordable, veteran guards when the new league year officially rings in on Wednesday afternoon.
