It’s over. For now.
Via multiple reports, which PFT has confirmed, the NFL and quarterback Brendan Sorsby have reached a settlement regarding his exclusion from the 2026 supplemental draft. Under the deal, Sorsby won’t challenge the decision, and the league will allow him to enter the 2027 draft.
The NFL Players Association also was involved in the negotiations. The union was in a delicate spot, given that Sorsby currently is not a member of the union. After he’s drafted (or after he goes undrafted and signs as a free agent), he’ll be in the NFLPA.
The NFL sent the following memo to its clubs on Tuesday, a copy of which PFT has obtained: “We have confirmed with the NFLPA and Brendan Sorsby that there will be no further litigation regarding his entry into the NFL—and that instead, Mr. Sorsby will focus on his preparation for entry into the League via the 2027 NFL Draft. 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.”
It was smart for Sorsby to not just walk away. Who knows what the league may have done next year? This way, he takes what is essentially a one-year suspension, and he can focus on preparing for the draft in April.
Could he have won in court? Possibly. It would have depended on many factors, including the mindset of the judge assigned to handle the case. Win or lose, the NFL wouldn’t have been happy with him. And, sometimes, the NFL doesn’t quickly forget those who become a thorn in its side.
It also helps Sorsby from a P.R. standpoint. For whatever reason, a large segment of the court of public opinion wanted him to receive some sort of punishment. Even though his inability to play for Texas Tech this year arguably represented a significant sanction (he loses money and the opportunity to push himself to the top of the 2027 draft board), many wanted to see him forced to take a year off.
Now, he will.
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