LSU appears poised to add former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright if he clears NFL waivers, a late addition that would arrive with less than two weeks of practice before the season opener and immediately alter opponent game-planning.
The move follows Wright’s brief NFL stint and a temporary injunction that restored a year of eligibility, and the waiver timeline will decide whether he can join the Tigers in time, as reported by LSU Tigers On SI.
Key Takeaways
- Dae’Quan Wright would join LSU only if he clears NFL waivers and arrives in Baton Rouge before the season opener.
- A temporary injunction restored an extra year of college eligibility and allowed Wright to enter the transfer portal.
- His arrival would pair him with Trey’Dez Green and immediately deepen LSU’s tight end room and matchup options.
- The Browns waived Wright after an injury-limited camp, creating a waiver timeline that will determine his immediate availability.
How Dae’Quan Wright fits LSU’s offense and depth
Wright combines last season’s 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns with recent NFL training-camp experience, giving LSU an experienced pass-catching option who has operated in advanced offensive environments.
That blend of college production and NFL preparation suggests coaches can deploy him as a matchup creator from inline, the slot, or as an inline blocker in heavier personnel groups.
Pairing Wright with preseason All-American Trey’Dez Green would force defenses to account for two proven receiving tight ends, while Pitt transfer Malachi Thomas remains a rotational option who has flashed in practice.
Waiver clearance and eligibility
Wright’s return hinges on clearing NFL waivers after his release from the Cleveland Browns; a claim by another team would change the timeline and availability.
Separately, a temporary injunction restored a year of college eligibility and is the legal basis for his portal entry and potential return to college football.
Reporting described the Browns’ roster move as intended to reunite Wright with Lane Kiffin, and Browns coach Todd Monken said Wright was sidelined by an injury rather than by anything related to his intentions to return to college.
Tight end positional context
| Player | Background | Recent status | Projected LSU role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dae’Quan Wright | Former Ole Miss starter who recorded 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns last season | Spent the summer in NFL training camps, was waived by the Browns, and had a temporary injunction restore eligibility | Immediate matchup threat and versatile pass-catcher with limited practice time to integrate |
| Trey’Dez Green | Preseason All-American and LSU’s primary returning tight end | Entered the season as the Tigers’ focal tight end | Primary playmaker tasked with creating matchup problems and commanding defensive attention |
| Malachi Thomas | Pitt transfer who entered the offseason as a near-term rotational option | Flashed during spring and summer practices while Green remained the centerpiece | Secondary role with upside in rotational sets and inline responsibilities |
LSU roster construction and College Football Playoff implications
Adding Wright would expand depth at tight end and provide experienced options across personnel groupings, which matters across a long season and in high-leverage downs.
How quickly he integrates will affect early play-calling, opponent preparation, and how the staff manages snaps and rotations as the season progresses.
