Pro Football Rumors
No strangers to drama, the Cowboys were able to avoid some undue drama this offseason when the NFL opted not to hold a supplementary draft for former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Dallas “had high interest” in the controversial prospect, even with his diagnosed gambling addiction.
In case anyone needs a quick refresher, considering the 17 days since he was last featured on this site are the most since the scandal broke the airwaves in late April, Sorsby was one of the top quarterback options in the NCAA’s transfer portal after two strong seasons as the starter at Cincinnati. Sorsby committed to the Red Raiders, signing a massive NIL deal in the process. Shockwaves rocked sports media when reports later emerged that Texas Tech had placed Sorsby in a rehab program following the disclosure of his addiction.
In the following weeks, it was reported that Sorsby’s gambling actions dated back some time and, more importantly, occurred while he was a student athlete. As a freshman at Indiana, Sorsby reportedly placed at least 40 bets on the Hoosiers, though he denied any allegations of point shaving. By self-inflicting punishment, Sorsby and the Raiders hoped to elicit some sympathy on the situation and some credit for taking responsibility. The NCAA initially revoked Sorsby’s eligibility, and although he appealed the decision, Sorsby began preparing for the supplemental draft.
Surprisingly, a Lubbock judge granted Sorsby an injunction, allowing him to retain his final year of collegiate eligibility after a two-game suspension. Even more surprisingly, Sorsby rejected the offer and declared his intention to enter the NFL’s supplemental draft. A good number of teams appeared to show interest in the potential mid-summer prospect, but Dallas had been quiet throughout most of the saga. In the end, the NFL made its decision not to entertain interest in the young passer, dooming him to train in obscurity, not able to join a team seemingly until the 2027 NFL Draft.
Quarterback has not been an area of concern in Dallas since franchise passer Dak Prescott was taken on Day 3 of the NFL Draft 10 years ago. After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, Prescott solidified his future as the starter in Dallas with four Pro Bowl campaigns and second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. Major injuries have twice impeded him from playing at least half of a season, but otherwise, Prescott has been a reliable arm capable of producing big numbers on offense.
Prescott’s current four-year, $240MM contract expires after the 2028 NFL season, at which point he will become a free agent heading into his age-35 season. It may not be extremely prudent to address immediately, but that ticking clock adds some context to the team’s interest in Sorsby. The Cowboys were lucky enough to land their quarterback of the past 10 years with a fourth-round pick. If Sorsby was to fall to them for less than top dollar because of some off-field controversy, well, what team would be better equipped...
