Dae’Quan Wright Could Earn More at LSU Than He Would Have With the Cleveland Browns

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Dae’Quan Wright Could Earn More at LSU Than He Would Have With the Cleveland Browns

Heena Singh · Gridiron Heroics

Wed, Sep 2, 2026 ·

3 min read

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The money angle is the hook here; however, the real story is bigger: Dae'Quan Wright has gone from trying to make an NFL roster to potentially making more at LSU than he would have made with the Cleveland Browns . That is a wild turn for a player who only recently entered the league.

Now the move is raising fresh questions around LSU, the SEC, and the growing willingness of programs to bring former NFL players back into college football.

Dae'Quan Wright's LSU Move Creates A Wild Money Twist

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Dae'Quan Wright (8) scores a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

ESPN's Adam Schefter explained the financial side of Wright's decision on September 2, noting that the former Browns tight end could actually earn more playing at LSU this season than he would have in the Browns.

"He'll make more money if he plays at LSU this year than he would've for the Cleveland Browns ."

"It has emboldened [the LSU] program even more."

That detail adds another layer to an already strange story. Wright went undrafted in 2026, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles , and eventually landed with the Browns. He then received a temporary injunction allowing him to regain college eligibility and transferred to LSU, where he reunited with Lane Kiffin after playing for him at Ole Miss.

Wright was not simply walking away from the NFL after a bad camp, either. He had already appeared in the Browns' preseason action before the court ruling changed his path. His 2025 season at Ole Miss also showed why LSU wanted him, as he finished with 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns.

However, the money is not the only thing making this move significant. The SEC has threatened sanctions against LSU over Wright's return, creating a much bigger headache for the Tigers than simply adding another tight end.

That puts Wright in an unusual spot. He has the chance to play another college season, potentially earn more money than his NFL opportunity would have provided, and suit up for a program coached by someone who already knows his game, and at the same time, LSU is testing a precedent that could become much bigger than Wright.

The NCAA's eligibility rules are already being challenged through multiple court cases. Wright's situation is one of several that could force college football to figure out where the line sits once players have actually entered professional football.

However, for Wright, the choice is pretty clear. He gets another shot at LSU, a familiar coach, and potentially better financial upside. Whether he actually gets to play could be the much tougher question.

Dae'Quan Wright's LSU Move Creates A Wild Money Twist

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