Browns Release Dae’Quan Wright Leading to Historic LSU Commitment

The Cleveland Browns are releasing tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who plans to make a historic agreement to play for LSU in the 2026 season. Wright would become the first player to play for an NFL team and then return to college.

Wright went undrafted, but has spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Browns during training camp.

The 22-year-old has played four seasons in college, spending his first two at Virginia Tech before transferring to Ole Miss. In 2022, Wright had 19 receptions for 208 yards in seven games. In the 2023 season, Wright finished with 28 receptions for 366 yards.

He took on a bigger role at Ole Miss, finishing with 27 receptions for 394 yards and four touchdowns in 2024. The 2025 campaign was Wright's best year, as he hauled in 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns.

That was a very productive season, and since Wright didn't make the roster, he will now head back to college for a fifth season. This creates a historic situation, as many other players on the roster bubble would like to play another year in college before returning to the NFL.

"Man, ain't this s*** crazy? I mean I don't even know what to say," Browns head coach Monken said.

Wright will join Lane Kiffin and the Tigers as long as he clears waivers.

"I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out a week ago, now I know," Monken said. "S***, I didn't know, now I know. I didn't call him back, guess I should've."

Wright did not take any snaps in the Browns preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. 

"As far as I know, he's had a medical issue that wasn't allowing him to practice. And that's a medical issue, it's nothing to do with me," Monken said. "Then he was cleared, so we dressed him just in case we had to have him, but when you don't rep, it's hard to put him on the field."

This is a bizarre situation, but Cleveland seems comfortable with their tight end room as is, while Wright makes history heading back to college.