The NFL has reversed its earlier decision and reinstated defensive tackle Zxavian Harris as an eligible free agent for the 2026 season. On Monday, the league informed all 32 teams via a memo that Harris can now sign with any NFL club, overturning its initial ruling that barred him from joining a professional roster this year.
Harris’s eligibility status became complicated after he and tight end Dae’Quan Wright attempted to return to college football at LSU following their stints with NFL teams during the summer. Harris, who went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, had signed with the New Orleans Saints but was waived in August. Wright had similar experiences with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns before being released in late August.
Both players sought a fifth year of college eligibility to play under LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, igniting disputes among LSU, the Southeastern Conference, and the NCAA. LSU ultimately decided not to include Harris and Wright on its roster, citing concerns about potential SEC backlash.
Following this, the NFL declared both players ineligible to sign with teams for the 2026 season, reasoning that their attempt to rejoin college football violated league rules. However, the NFL’s Monday memo clarified that Harris did not participate in any LSU practices or games, a factor that led to reinstating his eligibility.
Dae’Quan Wright was not mentioned in the league’s update and remains ineligible to sign with an NFL team this season.
Before the college return attempt, Harris was on the radar of NFL teams but had not secured a spot on a final 53-man roster. Now eligible, Harris’s future with the league remains uncertain. Given his previous standing, he may attract interest as a potential practice squad player.
The NFL’s reversal highlights the difficulty of navigating eligibility rules when players attempt to move between college and professional football. The league’s memo confirming Harris’s free agent status was reported by NFL Network and shared widely by reporter Tom Pelissero.
As of now, no team has announced a signing of Harris. His reinstatement means he can sign immediately if a club chooses to bring him on, opening a door that had briefly closed after the college eligibility dispute.
According to Yahoo Sports.