NFL declines to hold 2026 supplemental draft, leaving quarterback Brendan Sorsby ineligible

The National Football League informed quarterback Brendan Sorsby and all 32 clubs that it will not hold a supplemental draft in 2026, rendering Sorsby ineligible for that season. The league’s letter said Sorsby was the sole applicant and that his petition, submitted three business days before the June 22 deadline, lacked sufficient supporting documentation and raised integrity concerns.

"Under our Collective Bargaining Agreement, the League retains sole discretion to determine whether it is appropriate to conduct a Supplemental Draft in any given year," the NFL wrote, adding that the petition did not provide a basis to alter its existing plans.

Sorsby’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, argued that the team followed the NFL’s stated procedure, which required only a brief application, and that the league had not indicated any additional review would be needed. He also noted that the NFL’s denial letter was released to the media before it was sent to Sorsby.

The decision follows a series of disciplinary actions against Sorsby, including an NCAA ruling that declared him ineligible for the 2026 college season after investigations into alleged gambling violations. After an injunction briefly allowed him to return to Texas Tech, the university’s board confirmed he would not be on the roster.

The NFL’s correspondence cited the lack of a complete NCAA investigation record and alleged repeated violations of NCAA rules, including betting on his own team, as reasons for rejecting the petition. The league encouraged Sorsby to pursue entry through the regular 2027 NFL Draft.

Sorsby’s counsel indicated plans to discuss the matter with the NFL Players Association, asserting that the league’s action may conflict with the collective-bargaining agreement.