Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Dae’Quan Wright shattered a barrier this week, becoming the first active NFL player to enter the NCAA’s transfer portal. This isn’t some rumor, either: Wright, recently waived by the Browns on Sunday, already has an agreement in place to play for LSU in 2026, assuming he clears waivers. If this goes through, he would be the first ex-NFL player to ever return to play college football, and honestly, the implications for both leagues are absolutely wild.
The Gridiron Gets a New Wild Card
Look, this guy isn’t some scrub, alright? Wright was a member of the Browns’ practice squad after going undrafted in April, but he brings some serious collegiate pedigree. Between his stops at Virginia Tech and Ole Miss, he hauled in 113 passes for a whopping 1,603 yards. We’re talking 1,029 of those yards in just his final two seasons with the Rebels, where he even snagged second-team All-SEC honors. He originally signed with Philadelphia before getting claimed by Cleveland, so he’s had multiple bites at the pro apple. This transfer portal move gives him serious leverage and a potentially lucrative alternative if he gets cut before the season officially kicks off.
The Rulebook Just Got Shredded
So, what’s actually happening here? Wright is one of 16 players, with many more expected to follow, who are looking to head back to college. This chaos stems from a Louisiana judge granting a temporary restraining order on the NCAA’s five-year eligibility clock. Think about it: this is precisely where the NCAA never wanted eligibility litigation to go. There was a Colorado court ruling earlier this summer too, and even though District Judge Charlotte Sweeney clarified on August 2 that NCAA rules still applied to players who’d signed NFL contracts, teams have been quietly talking to these guys about a potential return. This Louisiana TRO has opened a massive, time-sensitive window for players still sweating it out in NFL training camps or fighting for a roster spot. With NFL teams trimming down to their final 53 players by August 30, we could see a ton of released pros jump back to college on an NIL or revenue share contract. It means college coaches can now actively recruit players currently employed by an NFL franchise. What used to sound impossible is suddenly just another August roster-management decision.
This is a complete game-changer, not just for Wright, but for every player on the bubble, every front office trying to finalize a roster, and honestly, for the future of both professional and college football. Other players are already following suit, including some former Seahawks. Keep your eyes peeled, because the next few weeks are going to be absolutely nuts.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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