Browns waive Dae'Quan Wright, paving reported return to college at LSU

Field Level Media|published: Sun 23rd August, 21:02 2026

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Dae'quan Wright (8) makes a touchdown catch against the Miami Hurricanes in the second half during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns waived tight end Dae'Quan Wright on Sunday, paving a path for him to return to college football at LSU so long as he clears NFL waivers, his representation told ESPN.

Wright -- who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent and then landed with Cleveland via waivers but hasn't appeared in either of their first two preseason games -- is believed to be the first player with an agreement in place to return to college football after signing an NFL contract as an undrafted free agent.

Wright played the last two seasons for new LSU coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, catching 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns for the Rebels in 2025. He amassed 113 catches, 1,603 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches over four seasons at Virginia Tech (2022-23) and Ole Miss (2024-25).

He's one of 16 football players who was granted a temporary restraining order earlier this week by a Louisiana judge to be deemed eligible for the 2026 college season. The NCAA initially ruled that all players whose eligibility expired after the 2025 season will not be eligible for its new five-year eligibility model.

Wright officially entered the transfer portal Thursday and could join the 11th-ranked Tigers -- who open the season at home Sept. 5 vs. Clemson -- in the near future.

The NCAA continues to fight against these players becoming eligible, receiving a stay from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday. However, that stay doesn't erase the players who have already had their eligibility restored by TROs given by state-court judges across the country over the last few weeks.

The other players who have reportedly entered the transfer portal this week after the Louisiana court ruling include one of Wright's Ole Miss teammates, 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 this week that two other players in NFL camps, Jack Pyburn of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Wydett Williams Jr. of the Arizona Cardinals, can go back to school under the TRO.

--Field Level Media

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