NFL skips supplemental draft, halting quarterback Brendan Sorsby's 2026 league entry

The National Football League announced it will not conduct a supplemental draft in 2026, effectively ending quarterback Brendan Sorsby's immediate prospects of joining the league. League officials cited concerns that a supplemental draft would distract teams as they begin training camps, a right they hold under the collective bargaining agreement.

"His application carries with it a lot of issues," an NFL source told ESPN, adding that the matter touches on core game-integrity concerns.

Sorsby, who admitted to placing thousands of bets totaling about $90,000 on college and professional sports, was declared permanently ineligible by the NCAA in May 2026 for a pattern of gambling activity at three universities. The NFL management council sent him a letter stating his petition, filed three business days before the deadline, lacked supporting documentation and did not demonstrate accountability for his conduct.

"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," the letter said, quoting league general counsel Larry Ferazani.

Sorsby's attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, called the league's decision a violation of the collective bargaining agreement and indicated plans to challenge it with the NFL Players Association. The league noted that no supplemental draft has been held since 2019 and suggested Sorsby could consider opportunities in the Canadian Football League while remaining ineligible for NCAA competition.