NFL · 2 hours ago

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Brendan Sorsby and Hypotheticals

Bo Marchionte

Host · Writer

Brendan Sorsby Saga Continues
Few Remaining Paths for Sorsby

Current Sorsby Situation
- No Supplemental Draft leaves limited options.
- No CFL team has placed him on its Negotiation List.
- CFL interest could be affected by integrity concerns.
- Attorney Jeffrey Kessler continues to challenge the NFL.
- Earliest NFL entry currently appears to be the 2027 Draft.
Unless the NFL reverses course and schedules a Supplemental Draft, Brendan Sorsby has very few realistic opportunities to continue his career before becoming eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft.

A longtime CFL executive told me that an NFL or NCAA suspension involving integrity issues would almost certainly create major obstacles to playing in the Canadian Football League.

While no CFL club has placed Sorsby on its Negotiation List, that does not necessarily mean teams are willing to pursue him given the circumstances. Heisman finalist Diego Pavia is currently with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have Pavia on their Neg List should Pavia be released later this summer.

That leaves Sorsby facing uncertainty while his legal team continues challenging the NFL's decision.
Brendan Sorsby Saga Continues
NFL Closes the Door on Brendan Sorsby

Brendan Sorsby’s Next Team (Kalshi Betting Odds)
- Pittsburgh Steelers – 25%
- New York Jets – 17%
- Arizona Cardinals – 16%
- Cleveland Browns – 11%
- Indianapolis Colts – 10%
Above was the list of teams via the Kalshi website monitoring the Sorsby odds on his next team. When betting markets were still open, the Pittsburgh Steelers emerged as the favorite to select Brendan Sorsby if the NFL held a 2026 Supplemental Draft.

Those odds instantly became meaningless Tuesday when the league informed Sorsby there would be no Supplemental Draft, effectively preventing him from entering the NFL this season.

Sorsby's attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, immediately challenged the league's decision. It’s worth noting Kessler has his own Wikipedia page, obviously he is no light weight in the industry.

"It is a violation of the CBA and the law. We will pursue this immediately with the NFLPA."

It’s also worth pointing out his son Andrew Kessler, is an NFL Agent at the Athletes First Agency. However, Ron Slavin, through LIFT Sports Management, serves as Sorsby’s agent and has been actively involved in managing his professional and collegiate affairs, including legal disputes and NIL agreements.

For Sorsby, a quarterback viewed by many scouts as possessing NFL starting talent, the announcement leaves his football future uncertain.

Sorsby Key Topics
- Steelers were betting favorites before the draft was canceled.
- NFL announced there will be no 2026 Supplemental Draft.
- Attorney Jeffrey Kessler vows to challenge the ruling.
- Mike Florio questioned the NFL's explanation.
- Sorsby's NFL future is now on hold until at least 2027.
Brendan Sorsby Saga Continues
Why Pittsburgh Was Linked to Sorsby

Steelers Quarterback Situation
- Pittsburgh carried the best betting odds.
- Steelers currently have four quarterbacks.
- Will Howard and Drew Allar remain developmental options.
- Aaron Rodgers says this is his final season.
- No draft means Pittsburgh's true interest remains unknown.
Before the NFL shut the door on the Supplemental Draft, oddsmakers viewed the Pittsburgh Steelers as the most likely destination for Brendan Sorsby. While betting odds never confirm a team's intentions, they often reflect league perception and informed speculation.

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is quarterback based. When training camp arrives he might be asked about Sorsby but we know the answer will not reveal much.

The Steelers currently carry four quarterbacks, including veterans Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. However, it’s the young developmental passers Will Howard and Drew Allar that garner the attention of the position long-term.

If Pittsburgh truly had stronger odds than teams like the Jets or Cardinals, it suggested evaluators believed the organization remained open to adding another talented quarterback despite its crowded room.

Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin would always say this when dealing with the hypothetical questions.

"I don't deal in hypotheticals."

I assume McCarthy deals with those in the same manner.

The hypotheticals grow even larger now since Sorsby has no immediate access to the National Football League.

With no Supplemental Draft, the Steelers never had to reveal whether those odds reflected genuine interest.

Still, the market itself provides an interesting glimpse into how league observers viewed Pittsburgh's quarterback philosophy.
Brendan Sorsby Saga Continues
Will Howard Bio

Howard Snapshot
- National championship-winning quarterback.
- Sixth-round pick in 2025.
- Strong leadership and size.
- Learning behind Aaron Rodgers.
- Developing into a potential future starter.
Will Howard enters the 2026 season as one of the Steelers' most intriguing developmental quarterbacks. After leading Ohio State to a national championship and being selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard has continued learning behind veteran Aaron Rodgers.

Standing 6-foot-4 with excellent size and leadership traits, Howard built a reputation for toughness, command of the huddle and delivering in the biggest moments. His playoff run elevated his draft stock and demonstrated his ability to perform under enormous pressure.

While sixth-round quarterbacks historically face long odds, Pittsburgh has invested time developing Howard rather than rushing him onto the field. The cancellation of the Supplemental Draft also means one fewer quarterback competing for future opportunities within the organization.

Howard's next challenge is proving he can eventually become more than a quality backup.
Brendan Sorsby Saga Continues
Drew Allar Bio

Allar Snapshot
- Third-round selection in 2026.
- Penn State standout.
- Elite NFL arm strength.
- Outstanding size and upside.
- Benefits from patient development.
Drew Allar represents another significant investment in Pittsburgh's future. Selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft after a standout career at Penn State, Allar possesses one of the strongest arms in his draft class.

At 6-foot-5 and over 230 pounds, Allar fits the prototype NFL quarterback. His physical tools have never been questioned. The emphasis now shifts toward refining consistency, footwork and decision-making while adapting to Mike McCarthy's offense.

Unlike many rookie quarterbacks, Allar won't be forced into immediate action. Pittsburgh's quarterback depth allows him valuable developmental time while working alongside experienced veterans and quarterback coach Tom Arth.

The absence of a Supplemental Draft also removes another potential challenger from entering the Steelers' quarterback room this season.

Page 5: Few Remaining Paths for Sorsby

Unless the NFL reverses course and schedules a Supplemental Draft, Brendan Sorsby has very few realistic opportunities to continue his career before becoming eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Brendan Sorsby Saga Continues
Few Remaining Paths for Sorsby

Current Sorsby Situation
- No Supplemental Draft leaves limited options.
- No CFL team has placed him on its Negotiation List.
- CFL interest could be affected by integrity concerns.
- Attorney Jeffrey Kessler continues to challenge the NFL.
- Earliest NFL entry currently appears to be the 2027 Draft.
Unless the NFL reverses course and schedules a Supplemental Draft, Brendan Sorsby has very few realistic opportunities to continue his career before becoming eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft.

A longtime CFL executive told me that an NFL or NCAA suspension involving integrity issues would almost certainly create major obstacles to playing in the Canadian Football League.

While no CFL club has placed Sorsby on its Negotiation List, that does not necessarily mean teams are willing to pursue him given the circumstances. Heisman finalist Diego Pavia is currently with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have Pavia on their Neg List should Pavia be released later this summer.

That leaves Sorsby facing uncertainty while his legal team continues challenging the NFL's decision.
Brendan Sorsby Saga Continues
NFL Closes the Door on Brendan Sorsby

Brendan Sorsby’s Next Team (Kalshi Betting Odds)
- Pittsburgh Steelers – 25%
- New York Jets – 17%
- Arizona Cardinals – 16%
- Cleveland Browns – 11%
- Indianapolis Colts – 10%
Above was the list of teams via the Kalshi website monitoring the Sorsby odds on his next team. When betting markets were still open, the Pittsburgh Steelers emerged as the favorite to select Brendan Sorsby if the NFL held a 2026 Supplemental Draft.

Those odds instantly became meaningless Tuesday when the league informed Sorsby there would be no Supplemental Draft, effectively preventing him from entering the NFL this season.

Sorsby's attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, immediately challenged the league's decision. It’s worth noting Kessler has his own Wikipedia page, obviously he is no light weight in the industry.

"It is a violation of the CBA and the law. We will pursue this immediately with the NFLPA."

It’s also worth pointing out his son Andrew Kessler, is an NFL Agent at the Athletes First Agency. However, Ron Slavin, through LIFT Sports Management, serves as Sorsby’s agent and has been actively involved in managing his professional and collegiate affairs, including legal disputes and NIL agreements.

For Sorsby, a quarterback viewed by many scouts as possessing NFL starting talent, the announcement leaves his football future uncertain.

Sorsby Key Topics
- Steelers were betting favorites before the draft was canceled.
- NFL announced there will be no 2026 Supplemental Draft.
- Attorney Jeffrey Kessler vows to challenge the ruling.
- Mike Florio questioned the NFL's explanation.
- Sorsby's NFL future is now on hold until at least 2027.

Jun 25 12:10 PM

SpreadMoneyTotal

KC

+1.5

+116

O 8.5

TB

-1.5

-136

U 8.5

Jun 25 12:35 PM

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SEA

-1.5

-146

O 8.5

PIT

+1.5

+124

U 8.5

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