Isaiah Likely Says Door Is Open for Return to Ravens, But Business Is Business
General Manager Eric DeCosta gave a one-word answer last week when asked if there was a possibility of bringing back free agent tight end Isaiah Likely.
"Definitely," DeCosta said at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Likewise, Likely said it's possible that he could re-sign with the Ravens during his appearance on the "Up & Adams" show on Wednesday. However, Likely, who is one of the top tight ends set to hit the open market, seemed to suggest it's not probable.
"I tell everybody the door is always open for Baltimore only because that's family," Likely said. "They took a chance on me when all 31 [teams] passed. … But at the end of the day, I told everybody every moment I get [that] business is business.
"I got to do right by me, right by my family, and right by what I feel like I can do in this league. And I feel like I've shown enough ability to be able to help out any quarterback in any situation to be able to put points on the board and help an offense."
Likely admitted that leaving Lamar Jackson would be difficult, given their on-field chemistry and friendship.
"It's just one of those feelings where it hasn't really hit me yet because, technically, I haven't left, quote unquote," Likely said. "But it's also like separating the business side from the family side, and I feel like 'L' understands where I'm at right now in free-agency talks and contract talks on where it can go."
NFL Insider Says Charlie Kolar Could Cash in on Open Market
While Likely is getting more buzz, tight end Charlie Kolar could receive more interest in free agency than one might assume, given his modest numbers as a pass-catcher (30 receptions for 409 yards over four seasons).
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero listed Kolar among 10 free agents who could land surprisingly big contracts.
"Kolar played in all 17 games last season and posted a 77.5 PFF grade (eighth among tight ends who played double-digit games) despite catching just 10 passes," Pelissero wrote. "When he does get the ball, he's efficient – his 13.6 yards per catch ranks second among NFL tight ends since 2022 (minimum 25 receptions). He might end up becoming the league's highest-paid blocking tight end, and it's not out of the question he could get $10 million a year."
Losing both Likely and Kolar would create a significant depth problem at tight end. Only veteran Mark Andrews, who signed a three-year contract extension reportedly worth $39.3 million in December, is guaranteed to return next season.
Speaking of large contract projections, Spotrac projects that free agent guard Daniel Faalele could get a deal with an annual average of $10.5 million – higher than the $8.8 million predicted for Likely and second-highest among the Ravens' pending free agents behind Tyler Linderbaum.
Linderbaum's Contract Situation Is Reminiscent of C.J. Mosley's in 2019
Linderbaum has said he "absolutely" wants to return to the Ravens, and DeCosta has said the team has made the three-time Pro Bowler a "market-setting offer." But with the NFL's legal tampering period just four days away, the two sides have yet to agree to terms.
The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer said the situation is reminiscent of 2019, DeCosta's first season as GM, when four-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker C.J. Mosley was a pending free agent.
"Under former General Manager Ozzie Newsome, DeCosta's mentor, the Ravens' roster-building approach had abided by a simple mantra: right player, right price," Shaffer wrote. "Under DeCosta, the Ravens valued Mosley highly. The New York Jets just happened to value him more. Their five-year, $85 million deal was the richest ever for an off-ball linebacker, worth nearly $5 million more per year than perennial All-Pro Luke Kuechly's contract."
After Mosley's exit, DeCosta said: "Unfortunately for us, the market is irrational at times and we can't be held responsible for what other teams want to pay. All we can do is try to negotiate in good faith with agents and the players."
Shaffer said that if Linderbaum hits the open market, "the ensuing bidding war will test DeCosta's values as the Ravens' personnel chief. How much irrationality will he tolerate to re-sign a player he once committed to keeping? How far off budget will he stray to fortify an offensive line he needs to upgrade?"
The Kansas City Chiefs' Creed Humphrey is the league's highest-paid center, with an average annual salary of $18 million. Linderbaum's management team is reportedly shooting for $25 million per year.
All is not lost if the Ravens are outbid for Linderbaum, Shaffer said, noting that the money saved on Mosley was put to good use.
"With the money the Ravens saved in 2019 by not retaining Mosley, they had the means to sign running back Mark Ingram and safety Earl Thomas in free agency," Shaffer wrote. "Both became key pieces of a team that finished 14-2 that season, powered by the NFL's best offense and a top-five defense."
Ravens Named Potential Landing Spot for Stefon Diggs
The New England Patriots are reportedly releasing veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo included the Ravens among five potential landing spots for the four-time Pro Bowler.
"While he's no longer an elite player, Diggs would be an upgrade over what the Ravens currently project to have in their starting lineup alongside Pro Bowler Zay Flowers," DeArdo wrote. "Baltimore makes even more sense when you consider that two of its key backup wideouts – DeAndre Hopkins and Tylan Wallace – are slated to become free agents."
Diggs, 32, was the No. 1 receiver for the AFC champion Patriots this past season, finishing with 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns.
