Browns Player Could Still End Up Playing College Ball

The NFL and college football are dealing with a disruptive court ruling that would allow some players currently in training camp to return to play another season in college. That group includes current Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright.

Wright played last season for Ole Miss and did not get drafted even though he was named to the All-SEC second team. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles but was released, and the Browns claimed him off waivers this month.

Now, as he is unlikely to make Cleveland’s final 53-man roster, Wright could end up playing college ball, thanks to a judge’s decision.

“NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus explains how Dae’Quan Wright could end up playing college football even though he’s currently with the Cleveland Browns,” ESPN College Football posted.

NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus explains how Dae'Quan Wright could end up playing college football even though he's currently with the Cleveland Browns.

(via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/QB9SryLU4f

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 21, 2026

The temporary restraining order issued by a Louisiana judge on Wednesday allows for a group of 16 football players to receive a fifth year of college eligibility. That applies to Wright, who was part of the lawsuit.

According to Rosenhaus, if Wright is released by the Browns and his contract is terminated, and he is not claimed by another NFL team, he can go back to college football, where he likely would receive a lucrative NIL deal. To do so, Wright would have to pay back whatever signing bonus he received and the per diem payments that he was given.

“I think it’s likely to happen, as his agent. We don’t currently project him to make the Browns. I wouldn’t expect him to be claimed on waivers,” Rosenhaus said.

The NCAA recently passed a rule that gives athletes five years to complete five seasons of competition, which was supposed to take effect with the 2027 entering class. However, a court ruling in Colorado removed that waiting period, putting an unexpected number of players into the transfer portal in multiple sports.

The lawsuit that Wright is attached to includes Ole Miss teammate Wydett Williams, a safety who is with the Arizona Cardinals. In addition, running back TJ Harden, who was with the Browns and Seattle Seahawks this spring as an undrafted free agent, said he also plans to go back and play in college.

If Wright does find another college team, he potentially could be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft, so it will be very interesting to see where he winds up this season and potentially in the future.