Jun 20, 2026 3:27 AM
After a gambling scandal derailed his college career, former first-round prospect Brendan Sorsby offers Jacksonville a rare chance to secure an elite backup behind Trevor Lawrence.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a fascinating option to solidify their quarterback room.
That's because Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, after months of fighting the NCAA to have his eligibility reinstated after a gambling scandal that rocked the college football universe, has abandoned his plans to remain in college and will enter the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft.
Could the Jaguars shockingly select Sorsby to solve their QB depth issues?
Instant Upgrade
Although Trevor Lawrence is locked in as the Jaguars' starter, Jacksonville's depth behind him could use an infusion of talent. Right now, Nick Mullens is the backup. The unproven Carter Bradley and rookie undrafted free agent Joey Aguilar are battling for the QB3 spot.
Sorsby would be an instant upgrade over everyone the Jaguars have behind Lawrence. He has the talent to develop into a true franchise quarterback, and could be available at a discounted rate.
Before the gambling scandal, Sorsby was viewed as a first-round pick. Now that he is coming into the NFL with a circus-like atmosphere around him, Sorsby is expected to be awarded to a team with only a second or third-round bid in the Supplemental Draft.
Why Would Jaguars Select Sorsby?
Even with an MVP-level QB in Lawrence, it would be difficult to pass on a talent like Sorsby. It's not often a franchise-type QB can be obtained for only a third-round pick. If anything were to happen to Lawrence, Jacksonville should feel more comfortable with a talent like Sorsby taking over instead of anyone currently on the roster.
Sorsby would provide excellent insurance in the case of a Lawrence injury. Even if he would never be expected to overtake the 2021 top overall pick, Sorsby would still provide the Jaguars with solid value, either as a long-term backup or potential trade-bait down the road.
Will It Happen
The Jaguars taking Sorsby remains a long shot, but it's not impossible. He is a tempting talent and could immediately earn an important role as Jacksonville's backup QB. Even if Mullens were to hang onto that spot for 2026, he is in a contract year and could be allowed to walk as a free agent.
Sorsby, at the cost of a third-round pick, would be a much cheaper option as QB2 than a free agency signing. The Jaguars could use the money they would save on other areas, like edge rusher or defensive tackle help.
Final Thoughts
The odds of Jacksonville taking a shot on Sorsby are low, but they could deem his value too good to pass up. With Sorsby and Lawrence, Jacksonville would boast one of the top quarterback duos in the NFL.
However, Jacksonville could decide that Sorsby would be too much of a distraction, especially for a backup. While the gambling situation won't be as big a deal in the NFL as it has been in college, it is a red flag.
Sorsby broke the cardinal rule of sports. He placed bets on his own team, which has caused tremendous skepticism about his character. Could any NFL team really trust that he won't do the same at the next level?
Taking Sorsby in the Supplement Draft would be a huge risk for the Jaguars or anyone else. It could, however, lead to a giant reward.
While the Jaguars being the team to draft Sorsby is a longshot, it is an intriguing thought. It would also make the rest of the offseason a lot more interesting.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Comments
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy


