Dae'Quan

Wright

Wright was a UDFA this year. He signed with the Eagles, was cut, then joined the Browns. After Cleveland released him, Wright intended to rejoin LSU, becoming the first NFL player to return to college football. The SEC then passed a rule banning NFL players from returning. The NFL followed that up with a memo banning players who return to college football from signing in the NFL once again in the same year. As Schefter notes, Wright never officially signed with LSU, so he may be eligible to stay in the NFL after all. Wright is unfortunately caught in the middle of a legal nightmare brought on by the NCAA. It will likely prevent him from playing football anytime soon.

The gist of it is that players can return to college if they are cut, but NFL teams cannot make advance deals with the players about returning in the following season and the players also cannot sign an NFL deal within the same season. This situation came up with undrafted rookie free agent Dae’Quan Wright, who spent the offseason with the Eagles and Browns, but is looking to return to college and play for LSU. From an NFL perspective, Wright can return to college for 2026 but cannot return to the NFL until 2027, nor can an NFL team agree to an advance deal with him to sign him in 2027. It’s a sticky situation as the NCAA figures out player eligibility but the NFL has said its piece on the matter.

Transferring to Ole Miss after two productive seasons at Virginia Tech, Wright (6’4/246) tallied 66 receptions for 1,029 yards and nine touchdowns from 2024-2025. He made splash plays often, tallying 12 receptions over 20 yards while nursing an injured right shoulder last season. According to PFF, Wright averaged 10.9 yards after catch per reception, No. 2 among qualifying FBS tight ends. The speed he possesses threatens safeties downfield; he can stretch the field vertically while a compact frame allows him to shake off defenders. Wright is a bit inconsistent as a blocker, needing improvement in technique to be trusted in the run game. His athletic receiving ability is his best tool heading into the draft. Wright will need development before he can start for an NFL team, but he can certainly join a tight end room as a pass-catcher slowly earning reps through improving blocking ability.