Of all the free agent targets the Patriots are monitoring, one name stands out above the rest for tight end-needy Pats Nation: Isaiah Likely.
The soon-to-be former Ravens tight end isn't just a great football fit — he grew up in Massachusetts. That's right, this could be a homecoming story. There's something special about a local kid coming home to play for the team he grew up rooting for, and Likely has the talent to make it more than just a feel-good narrative.
Likely showed flashes of brilliance in Baltimore, demonstrating the ability to stretch the seam, win contested catches, and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. That's exactly what Drake Maye needs — a dynamic pass-catching weapon at tight end who can be a reliable target on third downs and in the red zone.
Mike Vrabel specifically identified tight end as a priority position at the Combine. Likely checks every box: he's young, talented, motivated, and has a connection to New England. This feels like it was meant to be.
March 11 can't come soon enough.
Based on reporting from NBC Sports Boston