Isaiah Likely is one of more than half a dozen Ravens players who are candidates for a contract extension, and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson’s new deal could be an indication of what Likely’s next contract might look like.

It was reported Sunday that Ferguson and the Cowboys agreed to a four-year extension worth $52 million in new money with $30 million in total guarantees. Ferguson is the seventh highest-paid tight end based on annual salary.

The career stats for Ferguson, 26, and Likely, 25, are comparable. Ferguson, who Dallas took 10 spots before Likely in the fourth round in 2022, has 149 catches for 1,429 yards (9.6 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns. Likely has 108 catches for 1,261 yards (11.7 YPC) and 14 touchdowns.

Ferguson has been the Cowboys’ starting tight end the past two seasons, while Likely has been TE2 behind Mark Andrews. Ferguson has 102 more career targets than Likely.

With Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott missing half of the 2024 season, Ferguson’s production took a hit, as he went from 71-761-5 in 2023 to 59-494-0. Likely posted career highs in catches (42), yards (477), and touchdowns (six) last seasons.

All three of the Ravens’ tight ends – Andrews, Likely, and Charlie Kolar – are entering the final year of their contracts.

Commenting earlier this offseason on the possibility of an extension for Likely, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec wrote: “There isn’t any football reason not to extend Likely if the Ravens believe in his upside. He’s young, talented and plays a position that more and more teams are investing in. The only drawback would be how much the Ravens are willing to earmark for the tight end position. If Baltimore chooses Likely long term over Andrews, that becomes a moot point.”

Other contract extension candidates for the Ravens include quarterback Lamar Jackson, safety Kyle Hamilton, center Tyler Linderbaum, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, and defensive tackle Travis Jones.