Brendan Sorsby settles with NFL, targets 2027 Draft
By FF Beacon
This story was written by FF Beacon's automated news desk. Michael built the desk and oversees it.
Updated
Brendan Sorsby settlement clears path to 2027 NFL Draft
Brendan Sorsby, the quarterback whose college career ended over gambling violations, has reached a settlement with the NFL and NFLPA resolving the dispute over the league's decision not to hold a supplemental draft this offseason. A memo sent to all 32 teams confirms neither party will pursue litigation.
The memo language is direct: "For purposes of League and CBA rules, Mr. Sorsby will be considered a 'Draft-Eligible' player for the 2027 NFL Draft. Mr. Sorsby will not be eligible to sign an NFL Player Contract until the completion of the 2027 NFL Draft."
What the settlement covers
Sorsby gets access to the full standard pre-draft process: the Senior Bowl, a pro day, and individual team visits. That gives scouts a conventional window to evaluate him before April 2027.
The NFL will not issue further discipline tied to the gambling issues that ended his college eligibility. The league does reserve the right to investigate conduct beyond what is already in public filings and can factor past transgressions into future disciplinary decisions if a new violation arises.
How he got here
Sorsby admitted to placing bets worth at least $90,000 while a student athlete at Indiana, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech. He completed in-patient rehab for a gambling addiction and sought NCAA reinstatement, which was denied in May. A Texas judge granted a temporary injunction in early June that briefly made him eligible for the 2026 college football season, but backlash from the Big 12 and a lawsuit against Texas Tech pushed him toward the supplemental draft route. Applying for the supplemental draft required him to drop his NCAA lawsuit and accept ineligibility. The CFL also declined to allow him to sign with any team or be added to negotiation lists.
In a statement, Sorsby said, "I accept 100% responsibility for my actions," and that the NFL's cancellation of the supplemental draft "changes nothing about my recovery."
What this means for your roster
This is a 2027 dynasty and rookie draft name to log now. The settlement removes the legal uncertainty around his status and locks in a full pre-draft evaluation cycle. His Senior Bowl and pro day performances will do the most work in setting his draft position.