Brendan Sorsby and the NFL Supplemental Draft
After a long saga where the NCAA's gambling policy was violated, former University of Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby is entering the NFL Supplemental Draft.
Brendan Sorsby just finished his 4th season of college football, and was readying to play his 5th after transferring to Texas Tech University for a reported $5m through the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness program.
Sorsby spent his first two years at Indiana University, redshirting his freshman year. He made 7 starts the next season, posting solid numbers before transferring to the University of Cincinnati.
Sorsby made 24 starts at UC over the next two seasons, where he totaled 5613 passing yards, 45 TDs, with just 12 INTs on a 63% completion percentage. He added 1027 yards and 16 TDs on the ground as well, averaging 5 yards per carry. That's an incredibly impressive mark in college, where they count sacks against your rushing total.
This gave Sorsby a decent amount of NFL draft hype, but a $5m check led Sorsby to transfer to Texas Tech, who wanted an elite QB to give their national title hopes some legitimacy.
Unfortunately for Texas Tech, the NCAA announced an investigation on alleged gambling in late April. Sorsby announced he was going into a gambling rehabilitation center around the same time. Here is a brief timeline of what led Sorsby to the NFL Supplemental Draft:
After rehabbing, Sorsby filed for an injunction against the NCAA on May 18th.
A couple weeks later, on June 8th, Sorsby wins the injunction. Sorsby was sentenced a 2 game suspension and (obviously) forced to quit gambling.
Later that day, many college athletic directors came out against the ruling. Talks began surrounding refusing to play Texas Tech athletic programs.
On June 10th, the Texas Tech athletic director released a 20 minute statement defending Sorsby, not willing to move and threatening to sue the Big 12 Conference if they tried to issue a ban against Texas Tech.
The Big 10 Conference announced they would not go through with a ban, but individual schools, such as Nebraska, could. Nebraska reportedly did.
On June 15th, the Big 12 went to court to attempt to force it's own rules so they could take matters such as the Sorsby case into their own hands and not leave it up to the NCAA.
That same day, Brendan Sorsby announced he would enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.
Here's what Sorsby reportedly bet on:
40 bets on the Hoosiers while a part of the team during his redshirt season.
$90k over 4 years across various betting platforms and accounts.
165 illegal bets on college/pro sports, none on UC football or Texas Tech athletics.
I bring this up to ponder whether or not Sorsby faces repercussions from the National Football League.
The NFL's gambling policy for players includes:
no betting on NFL events of any kind, including proposition bets
no betting while in the workplace or working(practice facility, hotel, etc)
no entering or using a sportsbook during the NFL season
commercial and private gambling is prohibited
While it's unreported if Sorsby bet on NFL games, he obviously didn't break the NFL's conduct because he was in college. However, he bet on college games while in college, as well as his own team's games.
This would clearly violate the NFL's policy.
I would assume Sorsby sees no consequences at the NFL level for his college mistakes, at least in terms of punishment handed out from the league office.
Now let's discuss how the NFL Supplemental Draft works.
The Supplemental Draft is held for any players who, for whatever unique circumstance, had their final year of college eligibility stripped away after it was too late to submit their name for the spring NFL Draft that we know and love.
The last Supplemental Draft was in 2023. Nobody was selected.
The last player selected in the Supplemental Draft was safety Jalen Thompson, who the Arizona Cardinals used a 5th round pick on. Thompson just signed a 3 year, $33m contract with the Cowboys this offseason. An excellent Supplemental Draft alum.
How does it work?
Teams bid a future draft pick for a player.
For example, let's say the Browns bid a 3rd round pick and win. They would then forfeit their 2027 3rd round pick.
The draft order is decided two ways.
There are three groups:
teams with 6 or fewer wins in the 2025 season
teams that made the playoffs
every other team
And within those groups, the order is selected through a lottery ball process.
Additionally, a team does not get to bid a selection if they do not own a pick in that round. For example, the New York Giants do not possess a 2027 4th round pick. Therefore, they could not bid that pick.
On the other hand, the Cleveland Browns own the Giants' 4th rounder. Meaning they have an extra lottery ball for the 4th round. They can choose which selection they bid, if they were to bid a 4th rounder.
So there is some strategy to the Supplemental Draft, if you're interested in the player, of course.
It's not as simple as, "I think this player is worth a 3rd round pick."
Another example:
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are interested in Sorsby. They won 8 games last year. Let's say they land the 15th pick in the lottery.
If they value Sorsby at a 3rd round pick, but also believe a team like the Cleveland Browns(5 wins in 2025) value Sorsby at a 3rd round pick, they would not land Sorsby. Because the Browns 3rd rounder would be higher.
So, could that push Sorsby's draft value maybe a round higher?
Not necessarily to the 2nd round, this was just an example, but a round higher than what a team "values" him at. Because they'd likely have to jump a round higher to get ahead of other potential bidders.
Before we get to potential bidders, let's talk some more about Sorsby.
I mentioned some stats, and obviously he's an impressive QB talent if Texas Tech gave him $5m to transfer for one season. But let's throw it back to draft season and talk NFL, and what teams could value in him.
The term "1st round talent" has been thrown out a lot regarding Sorsby. There's a few reasons for this, including the fact that it's simply fun to hype up the most notable Supplemental Draft in over a decade. There's also the fact that Sorsby was a highly sought after transfer QB who was meant to take Texas Tech to the national championship.
But it's also because Sorsby has incredible tools.
He has an elite arm. It would have been considered the best in the 2026 QB class.
He is listed at 6'3, 235lbs, a rock solid QB body.
And he's an incredible athlete for that size. He's racked up tons of rushing production.
While Sorsby doesn't have a ton of wiggle as a runner, he'd be the top dual threat from the 2026 draft class as well.
I honestly believe there was a shot for Sorsby to be QB2 in this years draft, but clearly NFL teams had a deep affection for Ty Simpson's experience throwing over the middle of the field, something Sorsby totally lacks.
So it's more likely Sorsby would have slotted in with the 3rd round group of Carson Beck and Drew Allar, right ahead of 4th rounder Cade Klubnik.
Here's why NFL teams may avoid Sorsby:
Gambling - I discussed the likelihood of an NFL punishment. But even without one to come, Sorsby clearly had a legitimate gambling addiction. Is that something you want to wager a future pick on?
Unpolished - I lauded some of Sorsby's physical gifts, but there's a reason he didn't declare for the draft. He's not a finished product. And does a team want to commit a future pick to a guy with a gambling problem they'd have to develop? Plus, Sorsby will have missed 2 months of a typical rookie offseason program. So he needs crucial development and will already be behind.
Already drafted their QB - Arizona took Beck, Pittsburgh grabbed Allar, and New York took Klubnik. They've already spent capital to pick their guys, and these QBs have already been in the building for two months.
What I will say on that last point is that evaluation should take precedent.
I don't care that you drafted Carson Beck(no disrespect). If you believe, from an evaluation standpoint, that Brendan Sorsby will be a better NFL QB for your franchise than the guy you drafted in late April, you spend the pick on Sorsby.
If not, then you don't!
And it's impossible to know what teams' thoughts are on Sorsby. And while I stand on that statement, the fact that you have had a QB in the building for months already should help that QB's case. Perhaps it worsens it. But it likely helps.
Now, which teams could actually be interested?
If I were these teams, I would be interested in bidding on Sorsby.
Cleveland Browns:
You have the worst QB room in the NFL. By a lot. There is no future starter in there, barring some miraculous NFL development from rookie Taylen Green, who is currently QB4. Sorsby is a far better prospect than Green.
Browns 2027 draft capital:
1st rounder (own)
1st rounder (LAR)
2nd rounder (own)
3rd rounder (own)
4th rounder (own)
4th rounder (NYG)
4th rounder (SEA)
5th rounder (own)
5th rounder (HOU)
7th rounder (own)
7th rounder (HOU)
11 picks!
The two 1st rounders really change things here.
All of a sudden, a 2nd rounder doesn't seem too crazy. If they believe in Sorsby, that wouldn't be crazy at all. Even getting to Cleveland months late, Sorsby could start every game.
Bid:
3rd round pick
Arizona Cardinals:
The Cardinals also have a bit of a disastrous QB room. Jacoby Brissett is currently holding out, that should tell you a lot. Arizona did draft Carson Beck in the 3rd round, so they'd have to really love Sorsby to make a significant bid, in my opinion.
Cardinals 2027 draft capital:
1st rounder (own)
2nd rounder (own)
3rd rounder (own)
4th rounder (own)
5th rounder (own)
6th rounder (own)
7th rounder (own)
No extra picks in Arizona.
This makes me less willing, if I'm the Cardinals, to bid big on Sorsby. They should definitely submit a bid, because the QB room is bad and Sorsby has elite tools. Take as many chances on QBs as possible.
Bid:
4th round pick
New York Jets:
The Jets are going with a bridge QB in Geno Smith for 2026, who's coming off a disastrous 2025 season. They have no franchise QB. It's clear they are banking on their future capital to get them a franchise QB. Whether trading a haul of picks for a veteran(unlikely), landing the 1st overall pick, or using their multiple 1st rounders to trade up for a QB of their choosing.
Jets 2027 draft capital:
1st rounder (own)
1st rounder (IND)
1st rounder (DAL)
2nd rounder (own)
3rd rounder (own)
4th rounder (own)
5th rounder (own)
6th rounder (PIT)
6th rounder (KC)
Quite a haul.
The Jets did draft Cade Klubnik in Round 4. So, again, it's impossible to know their feelings about Klubnik versus Sorsby. But, assuming they prefer Sorsby, I'd feel comfortable sending a 2nd rounder in. With some doubt, or maybe they don't like him that much, you could knock that bid down a round.
Bid:
3rd round pick
Atlanta Falcons:
The Falcons have a new regime that is not associated with former 1st rounder Michael Penix. While they should still give him a shot, he has not performed well and once again tore his ACL. Sorsby would give Atlanta what they don't really have, in great tools and athleticism, something veteran free agent signing Tua Tagovailoa also does not possess.
Falcons 2027 draft capital:
1st rounder (own)
2nd rounder (own)
3rd rounder (own)
4th rounder (own)
5th rounder (own)
5th rounder (compensatory)
6th rounder (own)
6th rounder (compensatory)
7th rounder (own)
Plenty to work with.
The Falcons have two former top picks at QB on their roster. Again, their new GM and HC have essentially nothing tied to either player. If they like Sorsby, they could take him and develop him however they like.
It feels like, unlike the prior teams listed, Sorsby wouldn't be a one year gamble. Cleveland, Arizona, and New York all will likely be searching for the franchise QB in 2027. I'd be shocked if they didn't sit at the top of the draft, meaning if they successfully bid on Sorsby, he could only have one season to prove himself a franchise guy.
In Atlanta, I would assume they don't finish at the very bottom of the barrel. And the new regime likely has better job security, so they can afford to give Sorsby an extra year. If the new staff likes what they see in Sorsby, bidding is an easy decision.
Bid:
4th round pick
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
The Bucs do not have a QB under contract for 2027. There is zero guarantee they extend Baker Mayfield prior to the season, and Mayfield himself said he is willing to play without an extension. This leaves a lot up in the air. If the Bucs like Sorsby, there's no reason to not throw a bid out there.
Buccaneers 2027 draft capital:
1st rounder (own)
2nd rounder (own)
3rd rounder (own)
4th rounder (own)
5th rounder (own)
6th rounder (own)
7th rounder (own)
Tampa has no extra picks currently.
I am going to assume Baker doesn't see an extension prior to the 2026 season. And even if he plays well and ends up staying Tampa, there's no reason having a young QB with great traits, that need to be developed, as a backup is a bad thing.
And if Baker ends up leaving and Tampa Bay has to reset a bit as an organization, they now have a QB who may be ready to take over. The Bucs won't be forced to draft a QB.
Bid:
4th round pick
Minnesota Vikings:
The Vikings have J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer under contract for 2027. That probably doesn't sound enticing for Vikings' fans. While Kyler Murray may be the QB savior in Minnesota, there's no guarantee he re-signs there. There's also no guarantee he's the savior.
Vikings 2027 draft capital:
1st rounder (own)
2nd rounder (own)
3rd rounder (own)
3rd rounder (PHI)
5th rounder (own)
5th rounder (CAR)
6th rounder (NYJ)
6th rounder (compensatory)
7th rounder (own)
7th rounder (PHI)
Lots of capital in Minnesota.
If the Vikings like Sorsby, they might as well add some insurance for 2027. I honestly think it might be more about McCarthy for Minnesota rather than Sorsby. If they still believe in the 2024 1st rounder, who's made just 10 career starts, there's no reason to spend on Sorsby. But if not...
Bid:
5th round pick (own)
Indianapolis Colts:
Daniel Jones signed a massive extension, but it is only 2 year deal. And the majority of guarantees come in year one. While Indianapolis did commit to him, it wasn't long-term, and that was for a reason. Jones is coming off two major injuries. Getting an athletic QB in the building could be desirable for Shane Steichen, especially to pitch as a back-up plan to ownership if Jones can't recover fully.
Colts 2027 draft capital:
2nd rounder (own)
3rd rounder (own)
4th rounder (own)
4th rounder (compensatory)
5th rounder (own)
6th rounder (own)
7th rounder (own)
7th rounder (compensatory)
With no 1st round pick, the Colts still have some capital saved up.
I really love this fit, especially with Steichen. I think it makes sense. And it does kind of seem like the Colts and Anthony Richardson are going to break-up. I don't think they're counting on development in year 4, or planning on keeping him around past 2026. While Indianapolis, and I do as well, likes Riley Leonard, he shouldn't prevent them from bidding on Sorsby.
Bid:
4th round pick
Philadelphia Eagles:
The Eagles are a QB factory. That's why they drafted Jalen Hurts when they had Carson Wentz. That's why they drafted Tanner McKee after Hurts' 2022 MVP runner-up year. That's why they spent a 6th round pick on Kyle McCord for him to not make the roster, because they traded for Sam Howell. That's why they traded for Andy Dalton this offseason and drafted Cole Payton in the 5th round. So, if they like Sorsby, why not take the opportunity to potentially buy low on a talented QB prospect?
Eagles 2027 draft capital:
1st rounder (own)
2nd rounder (own)
3rd rounder (compensatory)
4th rounder (own)
5th rounder (own)
5th rounder (CHI)
7th rounder (NYJ)
7th rounder (DAL)
7th rounder (BAL)
Enough to do some maneuvering.
Honestly this idea of including Philadelphia on here really just stems from them being a self-proclaimed QB factory, and the fact that Sorsby reminds me a bit of Hurts, at least physically, as a prospect.
Now, maybe that's actually a bad thing, considering the Eagles are making an offensive shift away from what they've done with Hurts in his career. So maybe Sorsby being similar turns them away. I still believe it's an intriguing idea. Drafting Cole Payton also probably turns them away.
Bid:
5th round pick (own)
Hopefully this was a good summary of the Brendan Sorsby situation, the workings of the NFL Supplemental Draft, and who could potentially take a stab at Sorsby in said draft.
Let me know who else should try to bid on Sorsby, and how high you think the draft pick bids could rise! Or do you think I overshot it, and we'll only see Day 3 picks?
Stay tuned for more NFL and 49ers articles, news, and opinions!
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