System and method embodiments are provided for controlling and managing in-network device-to-device (D2D) communications. In an embodiment, a method for a UE performing device-to-device (D2D) communication includes generating a D2D buffer status report (BSR) for a D2D communication link between the UE and a second UE that provides information related to an amount of D2D data available for transmission, wherein the D2D BSR comprises a D2D BSR logical channel identifier (LCID); transmitting the D2D BSR in a control element; receiving, a resource allocation for the D2D link; and transmitting D2D data over the allocated resources.