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Browns Rookie Makes Awkward History Against Bills
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken on the sideline during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Getty
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Shedeur Sanders #12 and Harold Fannin Jr. #44 of the Cleveland Browns react after connecting on a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) Getty
Dae’Quan Wright’s unusual detour through the college football transfer portal did not prevent him from suiting up for the Cleveland Browns.
Wright played against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, just two days after becoming the first active NFL player to enter the transfer portal. He participated in warmups following an extended weather delay.
“There’s a long and less than illustrious history of part-time players in this Browns organization, but this is the first time a guy ever chose the transfer portal then suddenly showed up for rain-delay warmups,” Zac Jackson of The Athletic wrote on X.
Wright was among a group of athletes granted temporary relief by a Louisiana judge in a lawsuit challenging the NCAA’s eligibility rules. The order opened a path for the former Ole Miss tight end to play another college season if he leaves the NFL before the college eligibility deadline.
The Browns claimed Wright off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles on August 11. The undrafted rookie caught 113 passes for 1,603 yards and nine touchdowns during his college career at Virginia Tech and Ole Miss. He earned second-team All-SEC honors last season.
For now, Wright remains with the Browns and is trying to earn an NFL job.
Browns Concerned About Tight End Depth
Getty CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 28: Shedeur Sanders #12 and Harold Fannin Jr. #44 of the Cleveland Browns react after connecting on a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Browns have dealt with injuries and absences throughout their tight end room, creating one of the more unsettled spots on the roster.
“Oh, it’s a concern. With all the injuries we’ve had trying to develop some guys, it’s a concern,” Browns coach Todd Monken said . “I don’t think where we are now is where we’ll be when we start the season, but I’ve been really pleased with Harold (Fannin) and Blake (Whiteheart), and Carsen (Ryan) has come a long way. I think we get Mike (Michael Burton) back at fullback here in a week, and I think that’ll help.”
Harold Fannin Jr. is the most established option in the group after a highly productive rookie season. The 2025 third-round pick led the Browns with 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns, setting a franchise rookie record for catches.
Cleveland recently signed Jermaine Terry II and Drew Biber to add reinforcements . Terry was hit with a pass from Shedeur Sanders against the Bills but it deflected off his hands and turned into an interception.
Shedeur Sanders Has Strong Start vs. Bills
Sanders remained the main attraction against Buffalo as he made his first start of the preseason. Sanders completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception during his scheduled first-half work. Cleveland trailed 14-7 at halftime when he exited.
The second-year quarterback answered Buffalo’s opening touchdown with an 11-play, 65-yard drive. Sanders completed all five of his passes on the possession and finished it with an 8-yard touchdown to Luke Floriea.
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Sanders later connected with Floriea for a 23-yard gain, but his final numbers were hurt by an interception on a pass that was tipped over the middle and caught by Damar Hamlin.
Monken indicated before the game that the Browns would not allow the decision to linger much longer.
“I do not anticipate the QB decision going past early of next week,” Monken said during the Browns’ pregame show on 92.3 The Fan .
The Browns open the regular season on September 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars .
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A BrownsNFLBrowns Rookie Makes Awkward History Against BillsHEAVYCleveland BrownsTodd MonkenBuffalo BillsShedeur SandersHarold Fannin JrPittsburgh SteelersHuntington Bank FieldCleveland
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