Cleveland Browns waive tight end Dae'Quan Wright in move to LSU

The Cleveland Browns are waiving tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who has an agreement in place to play for LSU in the 2026 season if he clears waivers. Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln confirmed the move to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday. Wright is believed to be the first player to return to college after signing with an NFL team as an undrafted free agent.

Wright initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles following the draft before being claimed on waivers by the Browns on 11 August. He did not appear in Cleveland's first two preseason games, though he dressed for the second game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Browns coach Todd Monken stated that Wright has been sidelined due to an injury and has not practised in over a week.

The move follows Wright entering the transfer portal on Wednesday after a temporary restraining order was granted in Louisiana. The order allows him to play a fifth season despite his standard college eligibility having ended. Monken noted that LSU coach Lane Kiffin had reached out to him a week prior, a contact Monken initially did not understand until the waiver news emerged.

Wright played for Kiffin at Ole Miss in 2024 and 2025, recording 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns last season. Kiffin is in his first year as head coach at LSU.

Wright, who graduated high school in 2022, filed a lawsuit because he was not included in the NCAA's new rule granting five years of eligibility. This rule takes effect next season. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals granted the NCAA a stay on Friday, reversing a federal judge's decision, but this does not affect athletes who have already secured restraining orders in state courts.