On Monday, Brendan Sorsby’s agent indicated that it was uncertain whether the NFL would permit the quarterback to join a team through the supplemental draft this summer.
By Tuesday, reports from NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo confirmed that the league had officially notified both Sorsby and teams that no supplemental draft would take place.
The NCAA previously ruled Sorsby ineligible for the 2026 college season after he admitted gambling on Indiana games while part of that program. Earlier in the spring, Sorsby entered a residential treatment program to address a gambling addiction.
An unnamed AFC executive told reporters that some questioned whether Sorsby’s move into treatment was “a reaction to getting caught.” That characterization came as speculation around his eligibility continued.
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Pete Thamel and Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that an NFL source described Sorsby’s supplemental draft application as involving “a lot of issues...core of the game integrity issues.”
A letter from NFL Management Council general counsel Larry Ferazani stated that Sorsby’s petition did not “demonstrate accountability for your conduct or indicate whether, or how, you would adhere to the League’s rules and policies governing the integrity of competition.”
Attorney Jeffrey Kessler, representing Sorsby, was cited by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk as preparing potential legal action following the denial. Florio noted Kessler “could file a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary injunction.”
Kessler told ESPN the league’s move “is a violation of the” collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association, and also a violation of “the law.” He continued, “we will pursue this immediately with the NFLPA.”
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According to Florio, the NFLPA “has standing to challenge the NFL’s decision to not conduct a supplemental draft,” since that draft format was originally created through collective bargaining. The union’s next steps were not immediately clear as of Tuesday.
Ferazani’s letter to Sorsby acknowledged the quarterback’s ability, stating, “By all accounts, you are a talented player with the potential for future success. We encourage you to focus on preparing for possible entry into the NFL through the 2027 NFL Annual Draft.” He added that “participation in the NFL is a privilege that carries with it significant responsibilities, including accountability.”
The 2026 supplemental draft had been scheduled to occur on or before July 16, but with the current league position, Sorsby will not be eligible for NFL selection until at least next spring unless the situation changes.
ESPN reported that Sorsby “would potentially be able to play in the” Canadian Football League this year.
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