The NFL supplemental draft is regaining relevance for the first time since 2019 following a major development in college football.
Former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby officially declared for the draft after a turbulent legal battle over his NCAA eligibility. Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech in January but was declared ineligible following an investigation into his college gambling activity.
Despite securing a temporary court injunction to play this fall, the 22-year-old quarterback opted to drop his lawsuit and turn professional. NFL front offices now face a fascinating risk-reward evaluation for a player widely regarded as a premium talent.
Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Could Target Brendan Sorsby in the Supplemental Draft
NFL insider Albert Breer highlighted one specific Super Bowl contender that could make a surprise move for the quarterback. Speaking on the latest landscape of the supplemental draft, Breer pointed to the Pittsburgh Steelers as a team positioned to take a calculated risk on the former Bearcats star.
“I think Brendan Sorsby is probably going to be a second-round pick,” Breer stated. “I don’t know if anybody would throw a first-round flier on him. The one team that kind of sticks out to me that might think about it would be the Pittsburgh Steelers, just because they may view it as we’re going to have a late first-round pick. We’re not going to have the resources to replace Aaron Rodgers next year.”
Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Sorsby centers on its immediate window and future constraints. The Steelers enter the 2026 campaign with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers at the helm for what is expected to be his final NFL season.
While the front office selected former Penn State passer Drew Allar in the third round of the spring draft, Allar is projected primarily as a developmental backup. If the Steelers put together a deep postseason run as expected, their 2027 first-round pick will fall at the back end of the opening round.
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Bidding on Sorsby allows a contender like Pittsburgh to secure a high-end talent using future draft capital. On the field, Sorsby possesses undeniable traits.
During the 2025 season at Cincinnati, he threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He added 580 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, showcasing the dual-threat capability that NFL evaluators covet.
However, any team submitting a bid must look past extensive off-field baggage. Sorsby reportedly admitted to placing at least $90,000 in sports wagers during his college career. The bets included 40 wagers on Indiana during his freshman season in 2022.
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Sorsby recently completed a month-long stay at a residential treatment facility in Arizona to address a diagnosed addiction.
Because the supplemental draft relies on a blind bidding process where the highest bidder forfeits a corresponding 2027 pick, front offices must weigh talent against character concerns.
While some executives believe the fallout from the gambling scandal will depress Sorsby’s price into the middle rounds, Breer’s projection of a second-round value highlights the premium placed on franchise quarterbacks.
For a championship contender facing an imminent vacancy at the position, Sorsby presents a rare opportunity.