The Cleveland Browns announced on Sunday that they have waived tight end Dae’Quan Wright. The move opens the door for Wright to re‑enroll at Louisiana State University and resume his college football career, provided he clears the NFL’s waiver process, his agent told ESPN.
Unique contract situation
Wright’s situation is unprecedented. After going undrafted in 2026, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent, was claimed off waivers by Cleveland, and never appeared in either team’s first two preseason games. According to his representation, he is the first player to have a formal agreement in place to return to the college ranks after signing an NFL contract as an undrafted free agent.
College background
Wright spent the 2024‑25 season at Ole Miss under new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, catching 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns. Prior to that, he compiled 113 receptions, 1,603 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches during four seasons split between Virginia Tech (2022‑23) and Ole Miss (2024‑25). His performance earned him a spot among 16 football players who received temporary restraining orders from a Louisiana judge earlier this week, making them eligible for the 2026 college season despite the NCAA’s new five‑year eligibility model.
Legal backdrop
The NCAA initially ruled that players whose eligibility expired after the 2025 season would be ineligible under its revised five‑year rule. However, state courts in Louisiana and elsewhere have issued temporary restraining orders restoring eligibility for a group of athletes. The NCAA is appealing those orders and secured a stay from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday, though the stay does not affect players already cleared by court orders.
Potential LSU return
Wright entered the transfer portal on Thursday and could join the 11th‑ranked LSU Tigers, who open the 2026 season at home against Clemson on September 5. LSU’s coaching staff has expressed interest in adding a proven receiver with NFL experience to its roster.
Other players affected
Alongside Wright, several other athletes have entered the transfer portal following the Louisiana court rulings. Those include former Ole Miss teammate defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, former SMU running back TJ Harden, former BYU offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho, former James Madison linebacker Trent Hendrick, former Appalachian State defensive back Ethan Johnson, and former New Mexico kicker Luke Drzewiecki. ESPN also reported that two NFL camp players—Jack Pyburn of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Wydett Williams Jr. of the Arizona Cardinals—may return to school under similar court orders.
What’s next?
Wright’s waiver clearance will determine whether he can officially re‑join LSU before the start of the college season. The Browns’ roster move also highlights the growing complexity of the relationship between the NFL, the NCAA, and state courts as athletes navigate professional opportunities and collegiate eligibility.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
