The Baltimore Ravens have established themselves as one of the NFL’s premier franchises for scouting and developing talent, particularly in the draft. In recent years, one of the more intriguing additions to their roster has been tight end Isaiah Likely, a standout prospect from Coastal Carolina who joined the team as a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
As fans of the Ravens continue to watch Likely develop into a key contributor, many have become interested in the details of his rookie deal and its implications for the player and the organization. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Isaiah Likely’s contract, exploring its structure, financials, and how it impacts the Ravens’ plans for the future.
Isaiah Likely Contract: The Basics
Isaiah Likely signed his rookie contract with the Baltimore Ravens on 6 June 2022, shortly after being selected as the 139th overall pick in the fourth draft round. Like all rookie contracts under the NFL’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Likely’s deal was a four-year contract with terms heavily influenced by his draft position.
According to public reports, Likely’s contract was worth approximately $4.16 million over four years, including a $744,000 signing bonus. This signing bonus was paid upfront when he signed his deal and represents the guaranteed money in his contract. The remainder of the contract consists of his base salaries, which increase incrementally over the four years.
Here’s a breakdown of the key figures in Isaiah Likely’s contract:
- Total Value: $4.16 million
- Signing Bonus: $744,000 (fully guaranteed)
- 2022 Base Salary: $705,000
- 2023 Base Salary: $870,000
- 2024 Base Salary: $985,000
- 2025 Base Salary: $1.1 million
These numbers may not be eye-popping compared to the multimillion-dollar deals signed by NFL superstars, but they represent solid value for a mid-round draft pick. For a player like Likely, this contract provides financial security while allowing him to prove himself on the field and earn a lucrative extension.
How Isaiah Likely’s Contract Fits into the Ravens’ Salary Cap
The Baltimore Ravens are known for their strategic management of the salary cap. Isaiah Likely’s contract is an excellent example of how the team maximizes value from its draft picks. By selecting Likely in the fourth round, the Ravens secured a talented pass-catching tight end at a relatively low cost.
As a rookie in 2022, Likely’s cap hit was modest, totaling just over $891,000, which included his prorated signing bonus of $186,000 and his $705,000 base salary. This low cap hit allowed the Ravens to allocate resources to other areas of need, such as strengthening their offensive line and re-signing key veterans.
For the duration of his rookie deal, Likely’s cap hits will remain affordable, making him a cost-effective weapon in Baltimore’s offense. This financial flexibility is crucial for a team like the Ravens, who consistently compete for playoff spots and must manage their roster with short-term and long-term goals in mind.
Isaiah Likely’s Performance and Value
Isaiah Likely quickly established himself as a player to watch during his rookie season. Despite being a mid-round pick, he immediately impacted the Ravens’ offense, showcasing his versatility as a receiver and blocker. His athleticism, route-running ability, and knack for making contested catches made him a reliable target for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Likely’s standout game in his rookie season came in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he caught six passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. Performances like this demonstrated his potential to become a key contributor to Baltimore’s offense, particularly in two-tight end sets alongside All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews.
The Ravens have long-valued tight ends who can create mismatches against opposing defenses, and he likely fits that mold perfectly. His development enhances the team’s offensive versatility and provides excellent value for his relatively modest contract.
If Likely continues to improve and becomes a consistent playmaker, his rookie deal will be considered one of the best bargains on the Ravens’ roster.
Comparing Isaiah Likely’s Contract to Other Tight Ends
To understand the value of Isaiah Likely’s contract, it’s helpful to compare it to other contracts for tight ends in the NFL. As a fourth-round pick, Likely’s deal is naturally smaller than those of first-round selections or established veterans, but it still provides excellent value given his potential upside.
For example:
- Kyle Pitts, a first-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, signed a four-year, $32.9 million contract with a $21.2 million signing bonus. While Pitts is considered a generational talent at tight end, his cap hit is significantly higher than Likely’s, which impacts the Falcons’ financial flexibility.
- Likely’s teammate and one of the NFL’s elite tight ends, Mark Andrews, signed a four-year, $56 million extension in 2021. While Andrews’ contract reflects his proven production, it also underscores the value the Ravens are getting from Likely on his rookie deal.
- The San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro tight end George Kittle signed a five-year, $75 million contract in 2020, with $40 million guaranteed. Kittle’s deal is a testament to how much teams are willing to invest in a top-tier tight end, and it provides a potential benchmark for Likely if he reaches his full potential.
Likely’sCompared to these deals, this contract is likely a bargain for the Ravens. If he continues to produce at a high level, he will outperform the modest financial investment the team made in him.
What the Future Holds for Isaiah Likely
Isaiah Likely’s contract runs through the 2025 season, giving the Ravens ample time to evaluate his development and determine whether he’s a candidate for an extension. If he continues progressing and becomes a key part of Baltimore’s offense, the team will likely look to lock him up long-term before he hits free agency.
For Likely, the next few years represent an opportunity to prove himself as one of the NFL’s rising stars at tight end. With Lamar Jackson signed to a long-term deal and the Ravens committed to building a dynamic offense, Likely has a chance to thrive in a system that values his skill set.
At the same time, the Ravens must balance their salary cap priorities. With other key players such as Mark Andrews, Marlon Humphrey, and Roquan Smith on lucrative contracts, the team must carefully manage its resources to retain its young talent, including Likely.
Conclusion
Isaiah Likely’s contract is a perfect example of how the Baltimore Ravens have mastered finding value in the draft. By securing a talented tight end on an affordable four-year deal, the team has set itself up for success both on the field and in salary cap management.
While Likely’s rookie contract is modest compared to the big-money deals signed by established stars, it gives him the foundation to build a successful NFL career. If he continues to develop and contribute to the Ravens’ offense, he could be in line for a significant payday.
For now, Ravens fans can enjoy watching Isaiah Likely grow into a key playmaker for their team, knowing that his contract represents one of the best values in the league. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Likely to see how he continues to evolve and help Baltimore contend for championships.
