Sports · American Football · 1 hr ago
NFL Clears Zxavian Harris to Work Out for or Sign With a Team
The NFL has cleared defensive tackle Zxavian Harris to work out for or sign with any team.
Harris and former teammate Dae’Quan Wright had tried to return to college football at LSU after signing professional contracts.
College conferences moved to block players who had signed with professional teams, and LSU did not add either player to its roster.
The NFL initially ruled both players ineligible to return to the pros, but later reversed its decision for Harris.
The league found that Harris never practiced at LSU, while Wright is still not eligible to return to the NFL.
Harris previously signed with the New Orleans Saints but was waived after being placed on the non-football injury list and never practicing for the team.
The NFL has ruled Zxavian Harris eligible to work out for or sign with any team.
The NFL Management Council determined that Harris never practiced at LSU, making him an eligible free agent.
Harris had sought to return to college after signing with the New Orleans Saints, but LSU did not add him to its roster.
The NFL’s decision applies only to Harris; Dae’Quan Wright will not receive the same opportunity.
Harris, 22, was a three-year starter at Ole Miss and played multiple positions on the defensive line.
- Who
- Zxavian Harris, a defensive tackle, has been cleared by the NFL.
- What
- He may work out for or sign with any NFL team.
- When
- The ruling was reported on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- The ruling concerns the NFL; Harris had sought to join LSU in Baton Rouge.
- Why
- The NFL Management Council determined he never practiced at LSU, making him an eligible free agent.
NCAA conferences
NFL
Eligibility
NCAA conferences
Conferences passed rules banning athletes who had signed professional contracts from returning to college.
NFL
The NFL ruled Harris eligible to return to the professional ranks because he never practiced at LSU.
Harris and other athletes who had signed professional contracts attempted to return to college under a new NCAA eligibility rule.
Wright practiced with LSU, but did not play in the game; LSU did not add him or Harris to its roster.
Harris signed with the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints waived Harris after placing him on the non-football injury list.
The NFL ruling was reported, clearing Harris to work out for or sign with a team.
- Age
- 22
- College
- Ole Miss
- Height and weight
- 6 feet 7 inches; 330 pounds
- NFL team signed with
- New Orleans Saints
- NFL eligibility
- Cleared to work out for or sign with any team
- Other player affected
- Dae’Quan Wright will not receive the same opportunity
Posts on X
The NFL Management Council informed DT Zxavian Harris — one of the players who attempted and failed to return to college at LSU — that it has established he never practiced and therefore he is now a free agent, eligible to visit and sign with any NFL team, sources tell @ringer
Sources
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