In a move that has sent ripples through the league office, the Green Bay Packers have inadvertently triggered a league-wide clarification on player eligibility. On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the NFL issued a memo to club decision-makers stating that players who left the league to attempt a return to college football in 2026 are ineligible to be signed or even visit NFL teams. This directive comes on the heels of the Packers hosting defensive lineman Zxavian Harris for a visit on Tuesday, a decision that raised eyebrows across the league. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the memo explicitly names Harris and tight end Dae'Quan Wright as players barred from visiting, trying out with, or being signed by NFL clubs during the 2026 season.
The Packers' Gamble and the League's Response
Harris, a 6'8", 330-pound defensive lineman, was one of the most highly touted undrafted free agents in the 2026 draft cycle. However, his draft stock plummeted due to character concerns, including multiple arrests during his time at Mississippi for domestic violence, obstructing arrest, DUI, reckless driving, and other offenses. He initially signed with the New Orleans Saints as a UDFA but was waived in early August. Following former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, Harris enrolled but never practiced with the team. Similarly, Wright, a former Cleveland Brown, enrolled at LSU and practiced but was ultimately not added to the Tigers' 2026 roster after pressure from the SEC and its programs. Despite these collegiate detours, the Packers brought Harris in for a visit on Tuesday, prompting the NFL's swift clarification that such actions violate league rules.
Eligibility Rules and Potential Consequences
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the NFL has consistently maintained that clubs cannot sign players who elected to join non-NFL teams, treating them similarly to CFL players who must wait until the completion of both seasons to be eligible. On paper, Harris and Wright could sign reserve-futures deals once teams' seasons end, but not before. The Packers' decision to host Harris may have been a misinterpretation of tryout rules or a deliberate attempt to exploit a loophole. Either way, the NFL made it clear that each club is responsible for verifying player eligibility, and violations are subject to club discipline. So far, no punishment has been announced for Green Bay.
NFLPA Pushback and the Road Ahead
The plot thickened on Wednesday when the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) issued a statement to Front Office Sports' Amanda Christovich, saying, "We are aware of the memo and are in touch with each of the players' representatives. We will explore all options to ensure each players' rights are protected within the Collective Bargaining Agreement." This sets the stage for a potential legal battle between the league and the union over the rights of Harris and Wright to seek NFL employment this season. The Packers have yet to comment on the situation.
What This Means for the 2026 Season
As the 2026 NFL season unfolds, this memo serves as a reminder of the complex eligibility rules that govern the league. For teams like the Packers, who are always seeking to bolster their roster, the incident highlights the importance of due diligence. For players like Harris and Wright, it represents another hurdle in their quest to return to professional football. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to monitor this developing story, including any potential discipline for the Packers and the NFLPA's next moves. Fans can stay tuned to Vulius for all the latest updates and analysis.
"We will explore all options to ensure each players' rights are protected within the Collective Bargaining Agreement." - NFLPA statement
As the situation evolves, one thing is certain: the Packers' decision has sparked a league-wide conversation about player eligibility and the fine line between college and professional football. For now, Harris and Wright remain in limbo, their NFL dreams on hold pending further developments.
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