The Cleveland Browns waived TE Dae’Quan Wright on Sunday, and if the 22-year-old undrafted rookie clears waivers, he will be attempting a historic return to NCAA football.
Wright was part of training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns this summer, with the Eagles releasing him on August 10 and then the Browns releasing him on August 23.
If no other NFL team claims him off waivers, Wright intends to become the first player in history to sign a pro contract and retain eligibility to return to the NCAA and play for the LSU Tigers under Lane Kiffin.
One specific legal request is what’s allowing Dae’Quan Wright to do thisThe NCAA’s changes in the eligibility model for athletes before and after 2022-23 led to a class-action lawsuit with 16 football players in a Louisiana state court.
This group included Wright, who was granted a TRO, which allowed the plaintiffs a fifth year of eligibility for the 2026 season.
This TRO explicitly prevents the NCAA from barring athletes who signed professional contracts, hired agents, or participated in professional events from returning to college.
With Wright already expected to have a deal to return to LSU under his former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, it seems he will earn the honor of being the first NFL player to successfully return to college after signing not one, but two professional contracts.
Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe TRO will be further deliberated on August 31 in court, so if it remains in effect, Wright is on the verge of making history.
Other players who can explore similar options as Dae’Quan WrightWright is part of a larger group of about 16 plaintiffs covered by the Louisiana TRO, so specific other players can also follow his route back to the NCAA.
Buccaneers EDGE Jack Pyburn, Seahawks RB Anthony Hankerson, and Cardinals S Wydett Williams are among the active players with an NFL contract who could explore the same route.
Pyburn, in particular, is reportedly considering the move as well. DT Zxavian Harris has already entered the transfer portal after being waived by the Saints, but isn’t as close to finding a home as Wright.
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