In the modern NFL, contract negotiations don’t just happen in boardrooms; they play out on social media. For free agent Isaiah Likely, a single tap on an Instagram comment might be the biggest clue yet about where he’ll play next season. With the New England Patriots searching for more offensive weapons, Likely’s social media reaction suggests that he may be ready for a homecoming.

On Thursday, Isaiah Likely posted a carousel on Instagram, with one picture featuring him sitting courtside at a Boston Celtics game. While the post alone grabbed attention, what went down in the comment section ended up sparking a debate among fans.

“Come back home, bro,” one user wrote, adding a heart and eyes emoji.

The 25-year-old responded by liking the comment. As his four-year, $4.16 million contract expired after the 2025 season, the timing of this online interaction carries weight. Fans interpreted the move as a clear sign he’s ready for a homecoming. For those who don’t know, Likely is a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

He attended Everett High School after transferring from Malden, making him a true hometown talent. And the Patriots are his hometown team. In fact, reports linking the two sides have been circulating for weeks now. According to projections, Mike Vrabel’s team will have over $32 million in cap space when the free agency window opens on March 9.

Currently, they don’t have any internal free agents to prioritize and will likely seek outside talent to fill their needs. One of their biggest needs is a reliable pass catcher for young quarterback Drake Maye, and Likely could be a match. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he has served as a steady player on Baltimore’s offense. His career peaked in 2024 when he logged 42 receptions for 477 yards and six touchdowns.

While his career totals of 135 catches for 1,568 yards and fifteen touchdowns are solid, his role has been limited behind All-Pro Mark Andrews, suggesting his athletic upside has yet to be fully tapped. Meanwhile, if Likely ends up in New England, it would absolutely sting for Ravens fans. The tension between these two franchises goes deeper than just sharing the AFC. With four postseason battles fought between 2009 and 2014, they have posed as potential roadblocks for each other.

Currently, New England holds an 11-5 record against Baltimore, including the playoffs. The teams have never gotten along on a personal front, especially during the Tom Brady era. While the Ravens’ core is playing tough football, they reportedly think the Patriots have benefited from a softer schedule over the years. The 2025 Super Bowl runner-up definitely silenced doubters by beating defensive giants like the Texans, the Broncos, and the Chargers this postseason. Still, many don’t want to acknowledge it. 

While the Patriots appear to be a natural fit, they might not be the only team in the running for Likely’s services. Another potential suitor could be the Cleveland Browns, who have a new offensive system and a connection to the tight end.

Could Isaiah Likely be the perfect fit for Monken’s system?

A reunion could also be in the cards for Likely in Cleveland, where former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken has taken over. Monken, who coached Likely from 2023 to 2025, runs a tight-end-heavy system that could be a perfect fit. Monken once lifted Oklahoma State’s offense 77 spots to No. 11 nationally. His elite track record of elevating offenses brings hope to Cleveland after two dull seasons.

With a terrible rushing and passing production, the Browns are ready to adopt Monken’s system. His approach relies heavily on tight ends, deploying them in multiple sets. He mixes strong pre-snap motion with a physical running game and an Air Raid-style passing framework. While he uses 21 personnel groupings, his offense depends on a steady ground attack and an aggressive passing game.

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Currently, Cleveland may already have a promising player in Harold Fannin, who posted 731 receiving yards, 107 targets, and 72 catches. But their tight end group still lacks depth. Now that David Njoku announced he won’t return and Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates have hit free agency, the team may turn to Isaiah Likely.

Even their practice squad offers no hope after they waived Sal Cannella and Caden Prieskorn. While Dallas Goedert and Kyle Pitts are the most sought-after free agents on the market, affordability could keep the Browns from contacting them. Likely could serve as a more affordable option to anchor Monken’s scheme, given his declining production over the years.

While a foot injury in 2025 slowed his production, when healthy, he has proven to be a reliable and consistent target. Isaiah Likely brings strong route running, soft hands, positional versatility, and the ability to track the football. Adding him to the offense could be a steal for the Browns.