Jets suggested as possible fit for controversial quarterback draft prospect

We typically don’t see NFL teams draft multiple quarterbacks in the same year, especially not when they don’t add the first until the draft’s third and final day.

Then again, it might behoove the New York Jets to try something new.

At first glance, you would think it’d be too late for the Jets to do so this year, given that it’s been nearly a month since turning in the fourth-round card that brought Cade Klubnik to New York.

However, the NFL supplemental draft will occur this summer, and Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby could be a potential option.

The NCAA is currently investigating Sorsby, a Cincinnati transfer, for allegedly betting on Indiana football games in 2022 when he played for the Hoosiers.

Sorsby was a true freshman and completed three of his six passes for eight yards and an interception. He started seven games in 2023 before transferring to Cincinnati.

In explaining how the supplemental draft works, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe made a suggestion that should have Jets fans on notice.

“If the New York Jets, for example, submit a silent bid of a first-round pick, they’d relinquish a first-rounder in the 2027 draft,” Howe wrote.

Howe added, “The Jets have three first-round picks in 2027, so they can afford to be aggressive.”

Sorsby must declare for the supplemental draft by June 30. The Jets have not selected a player in the supplemental draft since taking Syracuse All-American receiver Rob Moore in 1990.

Should the New York Jets take Brendan Sorsby in the supplemental draft?

Sorsby impressed at Cincinnati the last two years, completing 62.9% of his passes for 45 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,027 yards and 18 touchdowns on five yards per carry.

The Bearcats finished 7–6 last season, their first winning record since 2022.

Sorsby’s situation is complicated by the fact that both the NCAA and the state of Ohio are investigating him. Sorsby and his lawyer, Jeffrey Kessler, have asked for an expedited ruling to have his eligibility reinstated.

The Athletic reported that Sorsby could make between $7 and $10 million in NIL payments this year.

If Sorsby were to declare, though, he doesn’t make as much sense for the Jets as one might initially think, even from a pure football standpoint.

Sorsby turns 23 next January, and the Jets already have their possible developmental quarterback in Klubnik. Geno Smith will start Week 1 barring an injury, and Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe are expected to battle for the backup quarterback spot.

That’s not to say that Klubnik will have a better NFL career than Sorsby. However, teams only have so many roster spots, and placing Klubnik or Sorsby on the practice squad is far too risky.

Sorsby was widely considered to be a top-50 pick in next year’s draft before the NCAA’s investigation began. Without speculating too much, it is obviously unclear how the coming months will impact his draft stock.

To be clear, we’re not saying that the Jets should avoid Sorsby solely because of the ongoing investigations.

Put simply, there is no logical reason for the Jets to take Sorsby if he winds up in the supplemental draft.

Don’t be surprised, though, if Sorsby somehow lands in the AFC East regardless. Howe included the Dolphins as a possible fit.

Miami signed Malik Willis this offseason, and second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers is expected to be the backup. Sorsby could immediately compete with Ewers or develop behind the two.

Staying at Texas Tech and cashing in, though, is the far safer play for Sorsby if he’s cleared to play this year. The question becomes when Sorsby, Kessler, and the Red Raiders learn whether he’ll be eligible.

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