The NFL’s decision not to hold a supplemental draft in 2026 has prompted strong backlash from quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s legal team.
Shortly after the league informed Sorsby that it would not conduct a supplemental draft this summer, prominent attorney Jeffrey Kessler accused the NFL of violating the collective bargaining agreement and vowed to challenge the decision through the NFL Players Association.
Brendan Sorsby’s Lawyer Calls NFL’s Supplemental Draft Decision ‘Unlawful’
The latest controversy emerged after the NFL formally informed Sorsby that it would not hold a supplemental draft in 2026, effectively forcing the former Cincinnati and Texas Tech quarterback to wait until the 2027 NFL Draft to enter the big league
“This is an unlawful action by the NFL in violation of the CBA,” Kessler, a prominent sports lawyer in the U.S. and longtime outside counsel to the NFLPA, said in an email reported by The MMQB’s Albert Breer, as posted by Breer on his X account. “We will be taking this matter to the NFLPA.”
“Kessler, of course, has been a lead outside counsel for the NFLPA for decades,” Breer noted.
From Brendan Sorsby’s lawyer Jeffery Kessler, via email: “This is an unlawful action by the NFL in violation of the CBA. We will be taking this matter to the NFLPA.” Kessler, of course, has been a lead outside counsel for the NFLPA for decades.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 23, 2026
The NFL defended its decision in a letter sent to Sorsby, citing concerns over the timing of his application and the need for a more thorough review.
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“The League has not conducted such a draft for several years and, prior to your submission, the League had no plans to do so this year, as no other player has sought entry,” NFL attorney Lawrence P. Ferazani Jr. wrote.
Sorsby sought entry into the supplemental draft after a lengthy battle with the NCAA over gambling violations. The former Indiana and Cincinnati quarterback allegedly placed thousands of sports bets worth at least $90,000 during his college career. The wagers reportedly included bets involving Indiana athletics while he was on the school’s roster.
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The NFL indicated that it needed more time to evaluate the circumstances surrounding those activities before determining whether Sorsby should be eligible for supplemental draft consideration. The league also pointed out that Sorsby filed his petition only three business days before the deadline, after abandoning legal efforts to restore his NCAA eligibility.
“Your Petition — filed three business days before the deadline, without any supporting information or documentation, and only after abandoning your recent litigation efforts to avoid NCAA sanctions — does not provide a basis for the League to alter those plans. The issues presented by your Petition are too significant, and too closely tied to the League’s core integrity interests, to permit meaningful review within the timeline presented.”
Kessler has indicated that Sorsby’s camp plans to seek assistance from the NFLPA. However, since Sorsby has not yet entered the NFL, he is not currently a member of the players’ union.
That could complicate any challenge brought directly through the NFLPA, although Kessler has successfully challenged major sports leagues in court before and could explore other legal avenues. If the decision is not overruled, the current ruling means Sorsby must wait till the 2027 NFL Draft to become available for selection.
