Patriots Rumor Isaiah Likely - Future Patriot?

[PatsFan2]

The good news in all of this is H Henry just turned 30 so He got some years left.

 

[Real fan 02]

The good news in all of this is H Henry just turned 30 so He got some years left.

I feel Henry with probably re-sign?

 

[PatsFan2]

I feel Henry with probably re-sign?

H Henry last extension goes through 2026. I would rip that up and give him another extension through 2027. By that time we should have a young guy ready to start in the wings.

 

[n1997y]

We need the rest and practice to clean up some things: Hopefully Jared Wilson is cleared to play next week. Benny Brown been kind of underwhelming at LG.

What makes you say that, other than your own expectations? Do you have any grades showing he was a problem?

Grok says otherwise:


And PFSN.com too:

 

[n1997y]

I've already made my feelings known you know I want K. Pitts.. now close your eyes and imagine K..Pitts ans Drake and JMD.

Pitts seems an underwhelming underperformer.

 

[Real fan 02]

Pitts seems an underwhelming underperformer.

Kyle Pitts Sr. - Atlanta Falcons Tight End - ESPN

View the profile of Atlanta Falcons Tight End Kyle Pitts Sr. on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.

www.espn.com

Isaiah Likely 2025 Stats per Game - NFL - ESPN

The 2025 NFL season stats per game for Isaiah Likely of the New York Giants on ESPN. Includes full stats, per opponent, for regular and postseason.

www.espn.com

 

[n1997y]

It is fun to think about, but I'm not a fan of it. Likely will likely (pun) be looking for a long contract. As he should. But i don't like signing these mid players to mid contracts. You lock up money long term on a level of production you will probably not be that happy with.

To get stuck paying 4 years and 32M to a player you will be looking to upgrade in the next few years isn't a good investment.

I have always looked at offensive players in 2 tiers.

Tier 1 is a guy you always want on the field. True starters.
Tier 2 is support players. Guys who are a bit more specialized that you rotate.

If a guy isn't in tier 1 never over extend for him contract wise.

The current Patriots for instance look like this.

Tier 1 - Henry, Diggs, Boutte, Henderson - I think on most teams they would see a bunch of snaps no matter what. Diggs would see more if he was younger but due to age and saving him for the run they are only playing him half the time even with him being tier 1. Boutte is certainly a soft tier 1, but still tier 1 IMO and is worth paying. Though soft tier 1 guys have their own set of rules too IMO and you need to be careful with those contracts and not fool yourself with their value.

Tier 2 - Everyone else. I know Hollins sees a lot of snaps, but that is cause they have to go somewhere. He is clearly tier 2.

Personally I'd rather draft a guy. Maybe he won't be as good but at least he will be cheaper and have more upside. Also as long as it isn't a top 48 player or so you have no long term commitment cause the guaranteed money isn't there to force your hand.

Problem with your approach is that it gives no consideration to players moving between tiers. A year ago was Boutte tier1? Diggs, and his ACL? Henderson, before he ever touched an NFL field?

If we signed Likely and he assumed the Henry role and performed to the same level as Henry would he next year be Tier 1? Despite your having him as Tier 2 when his contract was signed?

If Kyle Williams follows the same career arc as Boutte will he be Tier 1 by the time he negotiates his next contract?

When you consider that four year contract you have to consider not just the performance until now, but also the expected performance in the future, playing in a different system with a different QB and different teammates.

I would expect Likely to have better performance here than he has had thus far in his career. I’m not sure whether I’d want to sign him as FA, especially if there’s a bidding war with KC and perhaps the Ratbirds. We might be better drafting and developing a young TE. Or seeing if one we already have under contract is ready to step up.

 

[n1997y]

Kyle Pitts Sr. - Atlanta Falcons Tight End - ESPN

View the profile of Atlanta Falcons Tight End Kyle Pitts Sr. on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.

www.espn.com

Isaiah Likely 2025 Stats per Game - NFL - ESPN

The 2025 NFL season stats per game for Isaiah Likely of the New York Giants on ESPN. Includes full stats, per opponent, for regular and postseason.

www.espn.com

Apples to oranges, or more precisely TE1 to TE2.

I haven’t followed Pitts closely since I cut him in FF, but at the time my evaluation was what I posted. Seeing 1 TD on 75 targets in the link you posted doesn’t exactly knock my socks off.

He is good, might do okay here, but I’m not going to break the bank for him. If he is priced right could be a good value, but that’s true of most starter quality players.

 

[n1997y]

If he don't want to come play with MVP candidate Drake then he can stay catching passe from a mediocre injury prone QB in Atlanta.

You’re right. He should pay us for the privilege of playing with Drake “Drake Maye MVP” Maye. smh.

 

[Real fan 02]

Apples to oranges, or more precisely TE1 to TE2.

I haven’t followed Pitts closely since I cut him in FF, but at the time my evaluation was what I posted. Seeing 1 TD on 75 targets in the link you posted doesn’t exactly knock my socks off.

He is good, might do okay here, but I’m not going to break the bank for him. If he is priced right could be a good value, but that’s true of most starter quality players.

That's exactly what I'm trying to say here.. it's the potential of Pitts the talent.. we've seen guys like him come through NE and do well here... if Vrabel made a move on him then that would mean he's good with him.. furthermore we aren't going to have to beg guys to come here.. offer Pitts a decent deal and it's his to say yes or no to.. if not then good luck playing with Penix..

 

[n1997y]

Crap Kyle Pitts is the cream of the FA TE Class: he ain't coming cheap. It's a very weak FA TE class.

I’m not convinced we should go after a FA TE anyway. This just reinforces my feelings.

Henry is 30, looks like he’s got a few more years in the tank, maybe plan to replace him in two years. Hooper is 31, could be upgraded but could give us another year or two. So it’s not an urgent priority at the moment.

We have Dippre on the roster and Odukoya on the PS as developmental players. Coaches will know what potential they have and whether either one might be ready to step up if given the chance.

I’d be okay with an upgrade in FA but I’d also be okay if they stand pat in FA and then bring a couple of new prospects into camp. I’m leaning towards the latter because that’s how you manage the cap and keep roster costs down.

Ideally I’d like to see us go into 2026 with Henry as TE1, an upgrade over Hooper at TE2, and two or three solid developmental prospects in the pipeline behind them. TE2 upgrade could be FA, draft, or promotion from present roster/ ps pipeline. If we pick up a FA that is good enough to take TE1 away from Henry that’s even better, but not needed enough to pay much extra for it. Thats all IMO of course.

 

[PatsFan2]

I’m not convinced we should go after a FA TE anyway. This just reinforces my feelings.

Henry is 30, looks like he’s got a few more years in the tank, maybe plan to replace him in two years. Hooper is 31, could be upgraded but could give us another year or two. So it’s not an urgent priority at the moment.

We have Dippre on the roster and Odukoya on the PS as developmental players. Coaches will know what potential they have and whether either one might be ready to step up if given the chance.

I’d be okay with an upgrade in FA but I’d also be okay if they stand pat in FA and then bring a couple of new prospects into camp. I’m leaning towards the latter because that’s how you manage the cap and keep roster costs down.

Ideally I’d like to see us go into 2026 with Henry as TE1, an upgrade over Hooper at TE2, and two or three solid developmental prospects in the pipeline behind them. TE2 upgrade could be FA, draft, or promotion from present roster/ ps pipeline. If we pick up a FA that is good enough to take TE1 away from Henry that’s even better, but not needed enough to pay much extra for it. Thats all IMO of course.

There will be the Draft declarations at the TE position so there's that. I don't mind H Henry being our #1 TE in 2026 but he shouldn't be in 27. I really wanted Tucker Kraft the year BB Drafted Marte Mapu: he was turning into a Beast this year before he got hurt. That was a miss by BB: T Kraft would have been a young TE Starter on this Team. That said: I will watching the TE prospects for the upcoming Draft.

 

[TommyD4207]

What makes you say that, other than your own expectations? Do you have any grades showing he was a problem?

Grok says otherwise:


And PFSN.com too:

AI *and* PFF in the same post. Impressive.

 

[Real fan 02]

I’m not convinced we should go after a FA TE anyway. This just reinforces my feelings.

Henry is 30, looks like he’s got a few more years in the tank, maybe plan to replace him in two years. Hooper is 31, could be upgraded but could give us another year or two. So it’s not an urgent priority at the moment.

We have Dippre on the roster and Odukoya on the PS as developmental players. Coaches will know what potential they have and whether either one might be ready to step up if given the chance.

I’d be okay with an upgrade in FA but I’d also be okay if they stand pat in FA and then bring a couple of new prospects into camp. I’m leaning towards the latter because that’s how you manage the cap and keep roster costs down.

Ideally I’d like to see us go into 2026 with Henry as TE1, an upgrade over Hooper at TE2, and two or three solid developmental prospects in the pipeline behind them. TE2 upgrade could be FA, draft, or promotion from present roster/ ps pipeline. If we pick up a FA that is good enough to take TE1 away from Henry that’s even better, but not needed enough to pay much extra for it. Thats all IMO of course.

I fully expect Vrabel to pursue guys that fit the culture and of course can add thier talents and abilities to what we have going on already.

Definitely we can say for sure a TE will be drafted. As far as FA, sure go after a guy at TE. Henry for sure will probably want to retire a Patriot especially playing with an MVP candidate at QB. I see him resigning after 2026 or he could see an extension beforehand.

Without trying to get to off topic here.. I believe edge rusher is probably the biggest need. We have the LT sured up. I believe Bryant is the future at RT.. of course this is JMO..

But with a roster expected to see upgrades along with the current group of guys we have right now. Heading into 2026 the NE Patriots are going to be a force.

 

[p8ryts]

I fully expect Vrabel to pursue guys that fit the culture and of course can add thier talents and abilities to what we have going on already.

Definitely we can say for sure a TE will be drafted. As far as FA, sure go after a guy at TE. Henry for sure will probably want to retire a Patriot especially playing with an MVP candidate at QB. I see him resigning after 2026 or he could see an extension beforehand.

Without trying to get to off topic here.. I believe edge rusher is probably the biggest need. We have the LT sured up. I believe Bryant is the future at RT.. of course this is JMO..

But with a roster expected to see upgrades along with the current group of guys we have right now. Heading into 2026 the NE Patriots are going to be a force.

Agree on the edge but I want two more road graders, I don't which position they play on the Oline.

 

[Wozzy]

I’m not convinced we should go after a FA TE anyway. This just reinforces my feelings.

Henry is 30, looks like he’s got a few more years in the tank, maybe plan to replace him in two years. Hooper is 31, could be upgraded but could give us another year or two. So it’s not an urgent priority at the moment.

We have Dippre on the roster and Odukoya on the PS as developmental players. Coaches will know what potential they have and whether either one might be ready to step up if given the chance.

I’d be okay with an upgrade in FA but I’d also be okay if they stand pat in FA and then bring a couple of new prospects into camp. I’m leaning towards the latter because that’s how you manage the cap and keep roster costs down.

Ideally I’d like to see us go into 2026 with Henry as TE1, an upgrade over Hooper at TE2, and two or three solid developmental prospects in the pipeline behind them. TE2 upgrade could be FA, draft, or promotion from present roster/ ps pipeline. If we pick up a FA that is good enough to take TE1 away from Henry that’s even better, but not needed enough to pay much extra for it. Thats all IMO of course.

I’d pay Foster Moreau, guy is a powerful blocker and underrated receiver with good hands.

 

[maust]

I’d pay Foster Moreau, guy is a powerful blocker and underrated receiver with good hands.

Moreau seems like he has struggled a bit since coming back from the knee injury this year. How much of that is due to being on the Saints and how much of it is due to the injury is something you'd have to look at closely. His numbers aren't anything great but if healthy his blocking puts him above JAG level, certainly better than Likely. Just seems like the age/depth at the position is crying out for someone with significantly more future upside. Like the player when healthy though, they could do worse

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Strong no to Pitts from me. He will tease with potential, but he is soft through and through.

OL is a different story. Tyler Linderbaum would be #1 on ny list, though I think his chance of hitting FA would be astronomically lower than Likely.

Braden Smith would be a fine upgrade over Morgan Moses if the Colts ley him reach FA, and his loss would hurt a rival. But Morgan has been reasonably solid, and probably gas a year left. The 2026 draft gas a lit of good RT prospects who could start by 2027.

Wyatt Telker will he 32 and is on the downside of a fine career. He could vs good short-term upgrade if the price is right.

I agree with this. Pitts and Likely are not steady and reliable for me. Cade Otten is more my type.

If we could let Onwenu go and use that money to sign Linderbaum that would be great. Pickup a RG in the draft in 2026 and a RT in the draft in 2027 and the OL is remade. Remaking the OL is more important than the TE for me, but Henry and Hooper need replacing, so we do need to address TE in FA or the draft. There are also some FBs in the 2026 draft.

 

[Zuma]

I agree with this. Pitts and Likely are not steady and reliable for me. Cade Otten is more my type.

If we could let Onwenu go and use that money to sign Linderbaum that would be great. Pickup a RG in the draft in 2026 and a RT in the draft in 2027 and the OL is remade. Remaking the OL is more important than the TE for me, but Henry and Hooper need replacing, so we do need to address TE in FA or the draft. There are also some FBs in the 2026 draft.

Don't agree. IMO they need to draft a RT in the 1st 3 rounds AND a TE. Other then maybe a RB in later rounds...that's should be it on offense...

LT - Campbell (21), Low (26)
LG - Brown (27), Bradbury (30)
C - Wilson (22), Bradbury (30)
RG - Onwenu (27), Wallace (25)
RT - Moses (34), Munford (26), Bryant (23)

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Don't agree. IMO they need to draft a RT in the 1st 3 rounds AND a TE. Other then maybe a RB in later rounds...that's should be it on offense...

LT - Campbell (21), Low (26)
LG - Brown (27), Bradbury (30)
C - Wilson (22), Bradbury (30)
RG - Onwenu (27), Wallace (25)
RT - Moses (34), Munford (26), Bryant (23)

The running game is weak. If we are going to improve the running game, especially in short yardage situations, we need to upgrade Center and RG. If Wilson moves to Center, then we need to upgrade LG and RG. Our OL is serviceable but far from good.