Brendan Sorsby Agent Defends Draft Entry Against Claims of Escaped Penalty

Agent Ron Slavin Rejects Claims of Escaped Punishment

The narrative that Brendan Sorsby has avoided accountability by entering the supplemental draft is inaccurate, according to his agent, Ron Slavin. During a Monday appearance on #PFTPM, Slavin argued that the financial and professional toll on the young quarterback has been substantial. He noted that Sorsby previously turned down an opportunity to enter the draft in January to return to college, a decision that led to significant lost potential earnings.

“He definitely didn’t escape punishment. The fact that in January, he could have made the decision to go to the draft. We had a General Manager call us on New Year’s Eve and say, ‘Are you really going back to school?’ He made the decision to go back to school because he wanted, the whole ‘more than 25 and 35 starts on the success rate of quarterbacks.’ That was in his mind. The monetary dollars that he lost here because of this situation is astronomical. He spent all his own money on these attorneys to fight for him.” Ron Slavin, via NBC Sports

Slavin further pushed back against the notion that Sorsby’s gambling history—which included bets on his own teammates to succeed—indicates a character flaw that would translate to the professional level. He emphasized that Sorsby remains focused on a career in the NFL, characterizing him as a competitor who wants to prove his critics wrong. As reported by NBC Sports, Slavin also pointed to the irony of a media industry heavily sponsored by sportsbooks criticizing an 18-year-old for falling victim to the same promotional messaging.

Steelers’ Due Diligence and Potential Interest

Despite the off-field concerns, the Pittsburgh Steelers are among the teams actively evaluating Sorsby’s viability as a prospect. Reporting from the Baltimore Ravens website suggests the Steelers are performing extensive homework to determine if the gambling infractions represent a disqualifying risk. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic indicated that the team is interested in learning more about the specific nature of the infractions before making a commitment.

For the Steelers, the appeal of Sorsby lies in a potential mentorship structure. With Aaron Rodgers already slated as the starter for the upcoming season, the organization could theoretically provide a landing spot where Sorsby develops under a veteran presence before aiming for a 2027 starting role. DeFabo noted that the team’s willingness to pursue him depends on a risk-reward calculation:

“They would at least be interested to learn more and do their homework to figure out how bad was this infraction and then figure out how good is Sorsby and are they willing to take that risk. It sounds like [the gambling issue] at this point would not be a disqualifier for the Steelers.” Mike DeFabo, via The Athletic/Baltimore Ravens

The Jets’ Stance and the Supplemental Draft Outlook

While Pittsburgh explores the possibility, other teams appear to be cooling on the prospect. The New York Jets, previously considered a logical landing spot due to their long-term quarterback needs, are not expected to pursue Sorsby. According to Sports Illustrated, a source within the Jets organization confirmed the team is not interested in managing the complications surrounding the prospect, stating simply, “They don’t want to deal with it.”

This development potentially clears the path for the Arizona Cardinals, who have also conducted extensive research on the player. The supplemental draft process uses a lottery-like system for teams with six or fewer wins, placing Arizona in the first group of eligible organizations alongside teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and New Orleans Saints.

On-Field Profile and 2027 Prospect Comparisons

Evaluation of Sorsby as a player remains complex. As noted by The New York Times, Sorsby is viewed as a physically gifted but underdeveloped prospect. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds with 4.6 speed, he possesses the arm velocity and quick release sought by NFL scouts, though his mechanics remain inconsistent.

The uncertainty surrounding his eligibility and recovery from the gambling investigation leaves NFL front offices with questions that remain largely unanswered. Whether Sorsby enters the 2026 supplemental draft or waits for the 2027 cycle without playing a down of football in 2026 is the final hurdle in an already volatile transition to the professional ranks.

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