Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright is on the verge of becoming the first professional football player to return to college football after obtaining a court order granting him a fifth season of eligibility.
If Wright clears waivers, he has an agreement to transfer to LSU and play under former coach Lane Kiffin, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Wright signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi. Last season, he was a second-team All-SEC selection.
This unprecedented move follows legal actions by multiple college basketball players seeking a fifth year of eligibility from the NCAA. Wright's case, however, comes just days before the college football season is set to begin.
Wright played in the Browns' preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, two days prior to the report. He initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after going undrafted before joining the Browns.
Wright's college career began in 2022 at Virginia Tech, where he played two seasons before transferring to Mississippi. Last season with the Rebels, he recorded 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns. He also scored a touchdown in the College Football Playoff Semifinal against Miami.
Browns coach Todd Monken commented on the situation Saturday, stating, 'I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out a week ago. Now I know. S***, I didn't know, now I know. I didn't call him back, I guess now I should've.'
If Wright successfully returns to college, he would be the first player to have signed with an NFL team and subsequently returned to collegiate play. His case could pave the way for other athletes seeking similar eligibility.