'My Focus Is On Houston': UDFA WR Jared Wayne Chooses Texans Over CFL - Exclusive

Former Pitt wide receiver Jared Wayne has decided to join the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent rather than starting his pro career in the CFL.

HOUSTON — Jared Wayne, a wide receiver prospect from the University of Pittsburgh, had a major career decision to make in recent days. 

Wayne signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft. But on Tuesday, Wayne became a second-round pick of the Toronto Argonauts during the 2023 CFL Draft.

As a native of Canada, Wayne described his draft selection as a "cool process" and is blessed to have interest from both the CFL and NFL. But when the Texans begin rookie mini-camp at the Houston Methodist Training Center on May 12, Wayne will be in Houston making preparations for the 2023 NFL campaign. 

"My focus is on the Houston Texans right now," Wayne said. "I heard nothing but great things about the city of Houston. It's a blessing. I cannot wait to get down there and get started."

Electing the Texans over the Argonauts was one of several significant decisions Wayne had to make over the past week. The first came moments after the NFL Draft, where there was a bidding war for the All-ACC Second Team honoree receiver.

Several teams were in play for Wayne, and there were a few who struck his interest. But Wayne became sold on the Texans after a few great meetings with the coaching staff and position coach Ben McDaniels.

Wayne said everyone was on the same page during his meeting. The franchise expressed their winning desires, while McDaniels' message of togetherness and positivity within the position group resonated with Wayne.

"It's a collective group," Wayne said. "There isn't any kind of egos in the building from the coaches' standpoint. Everyone is trying to get better. Everyone is trying to elevate each other. We are all in this together with one common goal."

Wayne played four seasons for the Panthers from 2019-2022. He finished his collegiate career with 2,308 yards with 146 catches in 41 career games. But Wayne's final season at Pitt resulted in him becoming a highly sought-after prospect on the free agency market.

He led the Panthers with a career-best 60 receptions for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns during the 2022 campaign. In his final regular-season game, Wayne led the Panthers to a 42-16 victory over the Miami Hurricanes. He finished with 11 catches for 205 yards and three touchdowns.

Wayne's senior season was evidence of his hard work since 2019. But he credited his success to the return of Pitt's offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr., who has helped lay the groundwork that has Wayne prepared to make the transition from college to the NFL.

"The offense this year was very systematic and pro-style, which is going to help me pick up the playbook I'm about to learn with the Texans," Wayne said. "I thank him for teaching me how the system works and detailing my routes. A big thank you to coach Cignetti."

Wayne is a second-generation pro athlete. His father, Patrick Wayne, played nine seasons in the CFL. He had a successful career and registered 21.0 sacks as a linebacker. But Patrick's respective career has resulted in Wayne carrying his father's legacy from the CFL to Houston.

"I owe a lot of my success to my dad," Wayne said. "This is his journey as much as it is mine. He has been there with me every step of the way and pushing me to be better each and every day. 

"Going undrafted, I don't know what the expectations are. But I am looking to exceed it."

---

You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here

Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook

Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.

Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.