The Steelers’ quarterback plans seemed well in place for the 2026 NFL season after signing Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal and drafting former Penn State QB Drew Allar 76th overall. However, the Steelers have a rare opportunity staring them in the face. In a shocking turn of events, after months of legal battles and court rulings, Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has officially declared for the NFL Supplemental Draft, giving the Steelers another chance to secure a top quarterback prospect.
When Texas Tech earned a commitment from former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby in January, it looked like the Red Raiders were primed to make another deep run in the College Football Playoffs in 2026. Shortly after, though, the NCAA launched an investigation into the quarterback for placing thousands of dollars in bets, even on his own team, during his collegiate playing career. Sorbsy’s college career seemed doomed before a Texas judge deemed him eligible and gave him a two-game suspension. That ruling ignited the Big 12 Conference to make moves towards taking serious action, including banding together and refusing to play against the Red raiders in 2026. Finally, Sorsby had had enough and decided to declare for the next level.
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The supplemental draft has been around since 1977, and only 46 players have been selected from the draft since it’s inception. The last player to be selected from the supplemental draft was Washington State safety Jalen Thompson when the Arizona Cardinals bid a fifth-round pick on him back in 2019. Sorsby will likely be the first player selected in the rare draft.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Sorsby would have gone off the board very early in the 2026 NFL Draft had he declared. Sorsby is a legit dual-threat player who has totaled 18 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons. Had the quarterback played well for the Red Raiders in 2026, he would have been a projected first-rounder. Now, each team will have the opportunity to get a potential franchise quarterback at a major discount.
The NFL has not officially set a date for the draft, but it will be one of the most anticipated supplemental drafts ever due to Sorsby’s ability. The Steelers would have to bid a 2027 pick of their choosing if they chose to make a run at Sorsby. Any QB-needy team like Pittsburgh should be all over the opportunity to grab a player of Sorby’s ability. The question is, how many teams will truly be willing to take someone with the baggage that Sorsby carries despite his immense talent?
Sorsby would enter a loaded quarterback room in Pittsburgh with two young developmental guys already there in Will Howard and Drew Allar. With one of the main reasons for Mike McCarthy being hired being that the Steelers believe he can lead them to finding their next franchise quarterback, it’s fair to wonder if the Steelers could have a legitimate interest in Sorsby.
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