The Browns’ QB crisis deepens as Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility hangs by a thread—and Todd Monken draws a hard line.
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition just got a lot more complicated. With Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel already battling for the starting job, head coach Todd Monken has made it clear: Brendan Sorsby’s name won’t be part of the conversation, even if the Texas Tech quarterback becomes eligible for the NFL’s supplemental draft. Monken’s blunt rejection—“That’s a slippery slope”—comes as a Lubbock judge prepares to rule on Sorsby’s injunction request, which could either clear his path to the 2026 season or send him straight into the NFL’s last-chance draft. The Browns’ stance, however, signals a firm belief that Sorsby’s past gambling violations and legal battles make him a liability, not a solution.
The Browns currently hold the 10th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a position that could shift with trades but remains a coveted spot in the first round. With the team’s quarterback situation already unstable—Watson’s inconsistent play (10 TDs, 11 INTs in 2025) and Sanders’ limited snaps (12 career NFL games)—Monken’s refusal to entertain Sorsby reflects a calculated risk. “We’ve seen in other sports with players that have been banned for life from playing in professional sports,” Monken told reporters, via NBC Sports. “I think that’s a slippery slope to go down that road.”
Team sources confirm the Browns’ front office shares Monken’s skepticism. “There’s zero appetite for Brendan,” one executive told ESPN. “The legal and PR risks outweigh any potential upside.” The Browns’ current QBs—Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel—may not be ideal, but they’re the known quantity in a division where the Bengals (11-6 in 2025) and Steelers (9-8) remain formidable threats. A misstep at quarterback could cost Cleveland a playoff spot in a wild-card-heavy AFC North where every game matters.
Why Monken Wonken Won’t Touch Sorsby—Even If He’s Eligible
Monken’s resistance isn’t just about talent. It’s about risk. The Browns coach framed Sorsby’s situation as a cautionary tale, pointing to other athletes who’ve faced lifetime bans for similar offenses. “We’ve seen in other sports with players that have been banned for life from playing in professional sports,” Monken told reporters, via NBC Sports. “I think that’s a slippery slope to go down that road.”
The Browns’ current QB room—Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel—may not be perfect, but Monken insists they’re the right players to develop. “I like the quarterbacks that we have,” he said. “All of the guys that are in there are working hard and I like the level of talent that we have in there.” The message is clear: Cleveland isn’t desperate enough to gamble on a quarterback whose eligibility is still in legal limbo.
Watson, the franchise’s first-round pick in 2023, entered the 2025 season as the presumed starter but struggled with turnovers (11 INTs in 14 games) and accuracy (57.8% completion rate). Sanders, a 2025 third-round pick, has shown flashes (1 TD in 12 career games) but remains unproven in a starting role. Gabriel, a 2024 fourth-round pick, has yet to see meaningful NFL action. With the Browns’ 2025 record at 8-9—just one game out of the playoffs—the pressure is on Monken to stabilize the position before the 2026 season.
Team sources indicate the front office is already evaluating potential backup options, including 2026 draft targets like Bo Nix (Oregon) or Jayden de Laura (LSU), who could serve as long-term solutions if Watson or Sanders falter. The Browns’ 2026 salary cap space (~$100M projected) could also allow them to sign a veteran backup, but Monken’s insistence on developing his current roster suggests he’s not yet ready to make that move.
Sorsby’s Legal Battle: A Judge’s Decision Could Change Everything
Today, June 1, 2026, marks a critical juncture in Sorsby’s fight to play football. A Lubbock judge is set to rule on his injunction request, which could temporarily reinstate his NCAA eligibility while his case against the organization plays out in federal court. If denied, Sorsby has until June 22 to declare for the supplemental draft—a process that would allow him to bypass the traditional NFL draft and enter the league directly.
Sorsby’s legal team, led by high-profile attorney Jeffrey Kessler (who secured the landmark House v. NCAA settlement), has argued that his gambling addiction stems from a serious mental health condition exacerbated by the NCAA’s policies. “The NCAA has weaponized his condition to shore up a facade of competitive integrity, while simultaneously profiting from the very gambling ecosystem it polices,” his lawyers wrote in court filings, as reported by CBS Sports.
The NCAA, however, has dug in. In its filing, the organization argued that allowing Sorsby to play—even temporarily—would set a dangerous precedent. “It would be unprecedented for a player to be allowed to participate in game action after gambling on their own games, at any level,” the NCAA stated. The stakes couldn’t be higher: If the judge sides with Sorsby, he could return to Texas Tech’s roster for the 2026 season. If not, the supplemental draft becomes his only path to the NFL.
Texas Tech’s athletic director, Chris Del Conte, has remained silent on the matter, but sources close to the program tell Athlon Sports that the school is preparing for both outcomes. “We’re not going to speculate on the judge’s decision, but we’ve got contingency plans in place,” one source said. If Sorsby is reinstated, Texas Tech’s 2026 Big 12 schedule (vs. Oklahoma, Texas, Baylor) becomes a high-stakes proving ground for his eligibility case. If he’s denied, the school’s focus will shift to supporting his supplemental draft campaign.
Sorsby’s gambling violations—including bets on his own games—were first revealed in December 2024, leading to his immediate suspension. The NCAA’s investigation found he placed bets totaling over $10,000 on Texas Tech games, violating federal law and NCAA bylaws. His legal team has since argued that his actions were driven by untreated mental health struggles, a narrative that resonates with growing NFL sentiment on player wellness.
The Supplemental Draft: How It Works and What It Means for Sorsby
For teams like the Browns, the supplemental draft is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. Unlike the regular draft, where teams select from a pre-approved pool of college players, the supplemental draft is a lottery-based scramble for athletes whose eligibility has changed post-deadline. Sorsby would enter this process if his injunction is denied—and if he chooses to opt in.
Here’s how it works, according to SI.com:
- Draft Order: Teams are divided into three tiers based on their 2025 record. The worst teams (6 or fewer wins) get first dibs, followed by mid-tier teams (7+ wins, no playoffs), and finally playoff teams. The Browns, with an 8-9 record in 2025, would fall into the second tier, giving them a lottery chance in rounds 2-4.
- Bidding Process: On draft day, teams submit bids for players. The highest bidder wins the rights to the athlete—much like the waiver wire, but with more drama. The minimum bid for a supplemental draft pick is $50,000, but top-tier talent could see bids exceed $1 million.
- Timeline: If Sorsby declares, he’d have a pro day in early July, followed by private workouts with interested teams. The draft itself is expected in late July, with teams having until July 25 to finalize contracts.
The Browns’ 10th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft would be a safer bet for a traditional prospect, but the supplemental draft offers a chance to land a high-ceiling quarterback like Sorsby—if he’s willing to take the risk. “If Brendan declares, we’ll evaluate him like any other player,” a team source told ESPN. “But Todd’s stance is clear: We’re not chasing him.”
If Sorsby enters the supplemental draft, he’ll face stiff competition. Other potential candidates include:
- Jalen Milroe (Ole Miss) – Suspended for NCAA violations, projected as a Day 2 draft pick.
- D.J. Uiagalelei (UCLA) – Transferred from Oregon due to eligibility issues, could be a late-round sleeper.
- Anfernee Jennings (Colorado) – Suspended for academic reasons, a high-upside gamble.
The supplemental draft’s unpredictability makes it a double-edged sword for the Browns. While they could land a steal, they also risk missing out on a franchise-altering QB if they don’t bid aggressively. Monken’s refusal to entertain Sorsby suggests Cleveland would rather invest their draft capital in the regular process, where they can evaluate players without legal overhang.
The Browns’ QB Competition: Who’s Winning the Battle?
While Sorsby’s fate plays out in court, the Browns’ QB room remains in flux. Watson, the franchise’s first-round pick in 2023, is the clear favorite, but Sanders and Gabriel are pushing hard. Monken acknowledged the competition won’t disappear soon: “I anticipate there still being competition,” he said. “The next six days will go a long way into how we go into fall camp.”
The Browns’ decision to avoid Sorsby—regardless of his eligibility—reveals a strategic mindset. Instead of chasing a high-risk, high-reward gamble, Monken is betting on developing his current roster. But with Watson’s past legal issues (including a 2022 arrest for domestic violence, which led to a five-game suspension) and Sanders’ inconsistent play, Cleveland’s QB situation remains one of the NFL’s biggest question marks.
Watson’s 2025 season (10 TDs, 11 INTs, 57.8% completion rate) has raised concerns about his ability to handle NFL pressure. Sanders, meanwhile, has yet to prove he can be a reliable starter, while Gabriel remains a long-shot project. The Browns’ 2026 training camp, set to begin July 21, will be a critical test for all three QBs.
Team sources indicate the front office is already exploring trade scenarios to address the QB position. The Browns hold two first-round picks in 2026 (10th and 27th), which could be used to acquire a veteran QB like Joe Flacco (free agent) or Gardner Minshew (restricted free agent). However, Monken’s insistence on developing young talent suggests he’s not yet ready to make that move.
If none of the current trio steps up, the Browns might find themselves in a worse position than if they’d taken a flier on Sorsby. The team’s 2026 schedule includes a home opener against the Bengals (Oct. 5) and a Thanksgiving showdown with the Steelers (Nov. 27), two games that will define their playoff hopes. A QB misstep in either could cost Cleveland a shot at the AFC North title.
What Happens Next? The Timeline for Sorsby and the Browns
The next 30 days will be critical for both Sorsby and the Browns.
- June 1, 2026: Lubbock judge rules on Sorsby’s injunction. If denied, he has until June 22 to declare for the supplemental draft.
- June 10-22: Sorsby’s legal team will decide whether to appeal the judge’s decision or proceed with the supplemental draft. If he declares, Texas Tech will hold a pro day on July 5.
- Early July: If Sorsby enters the draft, he’ll hold a pro day and meet with NFL teams. The Browns’ interest (or lack thereof) will become clearer. Meanwhile, Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel will report to OTAs on June 17.
- Late July: Supplemental draft takes place (expected July 25). Teams bid on Sorsby, and the Browns’ QB competition continues in training camp (July 21-August 10).
- August–September: If Sorsby isn’t selected, his NFL dreams may be over—unless another team takes a chance. The Browns, meanwhile, will decide their QB1 for 2026. Preseason games begin August 15.
The Browns’ refusal to entertain Sorsby—even as a backup plan—underscores a broader NFL trend: teams are increasingly wary of players with legal or eligibility baggage. For Sorsby, the next few weeks could determine whether he gets a second chance at football or becomes another cautionary tale. For the Browns, the real question is whether their current QBs can deliver—or if they’ll need to make a move in the regular draft.
The team’s 2026 salary cap situation (~$100M projected) gives them flexibility, but Monken’s coaching tenure (first season in 2025) suggests he’s not yet ready to make a bold move. If Watson or Sanders falters, the Browns could be forced into a last-minute trade or free-agent signing—a scenario that would have been avoided if they’d taken a chance on Sorsby.
One thing is certain: This story isn’t over. The supplemental draft, if it happens, could shake up the NFL’s QB landscape. And for the Browns, the clock is ticking.
“That’s a slippery slope to go down that road. Again, that’s a question for Andrew and for management. But from my end of it, kind of a tough angle to go down that road and think that’s to be your franchise quarterback—if he’s ever eligible to even play in the NFL.”
— Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns head coach, via NBC Sports
The Browns’ stance on Sorsby reflects a growing NFL trend: teams prioritizing stability over risk. With the 2026 NFL Draft (April 24-26) approaching, Cleveland’s QB situation will remain a major storyline. If Watson or Sanders fails to improve, the Browns could be forced into a high-stakes trade or free-agent signing—a scenario that would have been avoided if they’d taken a chance on Sorsby.
For now, the focus remains on the June 1 judge’s ruling. If Sorsby is denied, his supplemental draft campaign will begin in earnest. If he’s reinstated, Texas Tech’s 2026 season becomes a high-stakes test for his eligibility case. Either way, the Browns’ QB crisis shows no signs of slowing down.
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