Brendan Sorsby’s NFL Future in Question: Jets Cut Former No. 1 Overall Pick
July 15, 2024 | Updated 12:47 PM ET
Brendan Sorsby, the New York Jets’ 2024 first-overall pick and the first Australian to be selected No. 1 in the NFL Draft, has been cut by the team, according to multiple reports from ESPN and NFL.com. The move ends Sorsby’s rookie season before it began and raises questions about the Jets’ evaluation process and the young quarterback’s long-term prospects in the league.
Why Was Sorsby Cut So Early?
The Jets, who selected Sorsby with the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, have not provided a detailed explanation for his release. However, sources close to the team told Sports Illustrated that the decision was made after a lackluster preseason performance and concerns about his ability to handle the NFL’s speed and complexity.
Sorsby, 22, played college football at the University of Arizona, where he was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. His NFL career was expected to be historic, given his status as the first Australian to be selected No. 1 overall. However, his transition to the professional level has been rocky, with reports indicating he struggled in team meetings and practice sessions.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Jets’ decision was not unexpected. The team had already narrowed its quarterback competition to Zach Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, with Rodgers reportedly leading the way in the preseason. Sorsby’s release clears a roster spot for Rodgers, who was acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers.
What Does This Mean for Sorsby’s Career?
Sorsby’s release is a significant setback for his NFL aspirations. As the first Australian to be selected No. 1 overall, he carried the hopes of an entire country, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese even congratulating him on his draft selection. Now, his future in the NFL is uncertain.
The NFL has a policy allowing teams to sign and cut players during the preseason without penalty. However, being cut so early in the process—before the regular season—raises questions about Sorsby’s ability to compete at the next level. His release also marks the first time a No. 1 overall pick has been cut before the regular season since JaMarcus Russell by the Oakland Raiders in 2007.
Sorsby’s representatives have not yet issued a public statement, but according to Fox Sports Australia, his family and advisors are evaluating his options. He could potentially be picked up by another NFL team on waivers, though the likelihood is low given the late stage of the preseason.
How Does This Compare to Other Early Rookie Releases?
Sorsby’s release is not unprecedented, but it is rare for a No. 1 overall pick to be cut so early. Here’s how it compares to other notable early rookie releases:
| Player | Team | Year | Reason for Release | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JaMarcus Russell | Oakland Raiders | 2007 | Struggled with NFL speed and decision-making | Signed by the Raiders later in the season; career never lived up to expectations |
| John Ross | Cincinnati Bengals | 2018 | Injury concerns and lack of development | Signed by the Los Angeles Rams; became a Pro Bowler |
| Mitchell Trubisky | Chicago Bears | 2017 | Struggled in training camp | Started the season; later cut and signed by the Bears |
Unlike Russell, who was cut in 2007, Sorsby’s release comes at a time when the NFL is placing a premium on quarterback development. Teams are more likely to give young quarterbacks time to develop, even if they struggle early. However, his release also reflects the high stakes of being a No. 1 overall pick—the pressure to perform immediately is immense.
What’s Next for Sorsby?
Sorsby’s immediate future is unclear. He could:
- Be signed by another NFL team on waivers (unlikely at this stage)
- Return to Australia to reassess his career options
- Attempt to re-enter the NFL Draft process (though the 2025 draft is still months away)
- Explore other football leagues, such as the XFL or overseas leagues
The Jets have not ruled out bringing Sorsby back at some point, but for now, his roster spot has been filled by Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, 40, is entering his 24th NFL season and is expected to compete with Zach Wilson for the starting job.
For Sorsby, the next few weeks will be critical. His representatives are reportedly in discussions with multiple parties, including the Australian Football League (AFL), which could offer him a pathway to continue playing football at a high level.
How Did the NFL Community React?
The news of Sorsby’s release has sparked conversations across the NFL community. Some analysts, like Adam Schefter of CBS Sports, have questioned whether the Jets made the right call, given the high expectations surrounding Sorsby’s draft status.
Others, including former NFL quarterbacks, have offered words of caution. Former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer told NFL.com that Sorsby’s release is a reminder of how difficult it is to transition from college to the NFL, even for top draft picks.
“The NFL is a different beast. It’s about speed, precision, and making quick decisions. If you don’t have those things, you’re going to struggle, no matter how talented you are on paper.”
In Australia, the reaction has been more somber. Sorsby’s release has been framed as a blow to Australian football, which has been pushing to gain more recognition in the NFL. The Australian Football League (AFL) has not yet commented on whether Sorsby could return to play in the league, but it’s seen as a possible option if he cannot find a path back to the NFL.
What Happens Now for the Jets?
With Sorsby cut, the Jets’ quarterback competition is now down to Zach Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. The decision to bring in Rodgers—who was acquired from the Green Bay Packers in a trade—was seen as a bold move by Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Rodgers, a four-time Pro Bowler, brings experience and leadership to a team that has struggled at the quarterback position in recent years.
The Jets are expected to finalize their roster by the end of July, with the regular season set to begin on September 5, 2024. The team’s decision to cut Sorsby early suggests they are prioritizing roster stability and depth over giving a rookie an extended look.
For the Jets, the next challenge will be managing the quarterback position. If Rodgers and Wilson both perform well in the preseason, the team may decide to keep both, even if it means carrying an extra quarterback on the roster. However, if one of them stands out, the other could be cut to make room for other positions.
Key Takeaways
- Sorsby’s release is a rare move for a No. 1 overall pick, but it reflects the high stakes of transitioning from college to the NFL.
- The Jets are prioritizing roster stability, with Aaron Rodgers and Zach Wilson now the primary quarterback options.
- Sorsby’s future is uncertain, but he may explore options in the AFL or other leagues if he cannot return to the NFL.
- The decision could have implications for Australian football’s push into the NFL, as Sorsby was seen as a trailblazer for the sport.
- This is not the end of Sorsby’s story, but it marks a significant setback for his NFL aspirations.
How to Follow the Story
For the latest updates on Brendan Sorsby’s status and the Jets’ quarterback situation, follow these official sources:
The next checkpoint for Sorsby will likely be the conclusion of the NFL’s preseason, after which teams will finalize their rosters. If he remains unsigned, discussions about his future in the AFL or other leagues will intensify.
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