Brendan Sorsby Possible Entry In NFL Supplemental Draft, Landing Spots And Fantasy Football Outlook

The news of the post-NFL Draft week has not been rookie minicamps or undrafted free agents signed, it's been Texas Tech quarterback Branden Sorsby's sports betting scandal. It's one that has gripped the sports world and opened up a look at the downside of legalized gambling. It also has very likely ended Sorsby’ collegiate career at Texas Tech before it ever had a chance to truly begin. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel and Adam Schefter, Sorsby has hired a lawyer in hopes of regaining collegiate eligibility amid the gambling probe.

Now discussions have begun putting him as the seminal target of the NFL's supplemental draft, usually held in early to mid July. The secondary draft is held for players who find themselves suddenly without the ability to return to college.

Brendan Sorsby Potential NFL Supplemental Draft Prospect

Sorsby was considered by many to be a high-level 2027 draft prospect with the potential to be a first-round talent despite what is expected to be an exceptionally deep quarterback draft class. That is a reason why many think there will be interest in him in the supplemental draft. With all of his on-field potential, the allegations against Sorsby are serious and they bring with them the type of attention that NFL franchises go out of their way to avoid. So there is a chance that even if he declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, he may have gone undrafted. The supplemental draft could offer a team a quieter way to bring him in than the glitz and fanfare of the regular draft.

In the supplemental draft, interested organizations make their bid for the round they want to claim him in and whoever submits the highest bid wins the prospect. If there are two teams that submit the same bid, then it goes to draft order. In what was considered a weaker quarterback draft class Sorsby could have been viewed in a similar light as Ty Simpson, who was drafted by the Rams at No. 13 overall, but almost certainly Carson Beck and Drew Allar, who both were selected in the third round. The last time a quarterback was taken in the Supplemental Draft was Ohio State star Terrelle Pryor in 2011. It would make sense that a quarterback-needy team would spend a third-round supplemental pick on the former Cincinnati quarterback coming off an extremely promising but inconsistent season. He has all of the tools that would make scouts gush over his future potential.

The Physical Tools of an NFL QB

Sorsby is 6-foot-3, 230 pounds and he has thrown for 5,613 yards, 45 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions over the past two seasons with the Bearcats. What makes him an even more intriguing prospect is the 1,027 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. That combination of size and athleticism is always going to perk up scouts and get fantasy managers paying attention.

He has a poise and calmness in the pocket thanks to his physical gifts that he wears like a coat of invisibility. His NFL-level arm talent allows him to attack all areas of the field at every level. He can deliver a pass under duress and throw with legit zip, especially between the hashes. Mix that with the ability to hit the eject button and create value with his legs and it paints a picture of confidence in a prospect who felt the 2026 season would be the one to propel him into a Fernando Mendoza-level of value.

NFL Teams That Could Put a Bid in on Sorsby

New York Jets

Yes, the Jets drafted Cade Klubnik in the fourth round of this year's draft, but that's before they knew Kurtis Rourke was available. There's a good chance that the Jets would be in play for Sorsby in 2027 as a draft pick. Getting him in 2026 gives them the opportunity to allow him to learn behind Geno Smith.

Sorsby is closer to, or has similar QB traits to Smith. He's bigger than you think and has more athleticism than people wanna give him credit for. He's got the arm strength and the potential to be a deadly accurate passer when given time.

Fantasy Value: This is the best chance for Sorsby to find his way on the field. Smith is the only legitimate obstacle in front of him and whether he keeps the job will be two-fold; the first is winning. If the team is winning, Smith may be safe in 2026. But if they are winning in spite of Smith, Sorsby could replace Smith and have the runway to lock up the starting position long term. This position would put him ahead of Simpson, because the only way for Simpson to play is injury to Matthew Stafford. Like Carson Beck in Arizona, Sorsby would have more openings with the Jets.

Minnesota Vikings

This landing spot would be a lot more interesting because of the presence of J.J. McCarthy. Is this coaching staff legitimately sold that McCarthy can be the answer at quarterback? Clearly not. That is why they brought in Kyler Murray.

While you would like to believe this Murray appearance is a one-year rental, that means they have to make a decision on McCarthy's fifth-year option after a season that he is likely to be the backup in. This is a perfect opportunity for a guy like Sorsby to come in and possibly usurp McCarthy as the long-term answer for the Vikings.

Fantasy Value: The opportunity for Sorsby to find his way on the field will also rely on performance. If Murray continues to look disinterested as he did in Arizona and McCarthy fails or gets injured in his attempt, then Sorsby can be ready to go. If the season is going poorly, then there is a chance that they could turn to Sorsby just to see what he has to offer.

Denver Broncos

When Bo Nix injured himself in the playoffs, people tried to talk themselves into Jarrett Stidham as the answer, but what he showed was an inability to pick up the baton from Nix and run with it.

The Broncos, who have a Super Bowl-caliber defense, cannot put themselves in a position where an injury to their quarterback ends their opportunities for success. Sorsby would be another quarterback prospect who can do damage with his legs while also coming up with timely throws: a very similar style to Nix, but with a stronger arm and bigger frame.

Fantasy Value: Nix is a quarterback who relies on his legs to extend plays, give his receivers more time to get open, and pick up chunks of yards on the ground. If he is compromised, Sorsby could have a chance to perform well in this offense, but only if there is an injury.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have taken advantage of quality backup quarterback play over the last couple of seasons. When Jordan Love has been hurt, Malik Willis has been able to come in and not only operate the offense, but continue to make it explosive and unpredictable.

Since Willis is gone, Sorsby would be another great prospect to bring in to back up Love while he learns the ropes. Maybe three years down the line, if the Packers are ready to move on from Love, they can. If not, they can trade Sorsby to a quarterback-hungry team for more than what they brought him in for as a supplemental draft pick.

Fantasy Value: Love has missed time during the season in two of his last three seasons as a starter. Willis had to step in week 16, which is big in fantasy. Sorsby could be a great plug-in while Love is out, but it is only contingent upon injury.

Players Mentioned in this Article

TySimpson
QBLAR
Proj
14.8

Published May 3, 2026, 1:45 ETUpdated May 3, 2026, 1:56 ET