The Packers don't need Brendan Sorsby, but they still have reasons to pursue him

Brendan Sorsby ended his push to play for Texas Tech, dropping his lawsuit and applying for the supplemental draft. If the NFL grants him entry, every team will consider a bid, including Green Bay.

One of the wildest stories in college football will soon spill over into the NFL. Brendan Sorsby, the Texas Tech quarterback embroiled in a gambling scandal, ended his push to extend his collegiate career when he withdrew his lawsuit against the NCAA on Tuesday. That move nullified a temporary injunction issued earlier in the month by a Lubbock County judge, making Sorsby formally ineligible to play in college this season and thus eligible to apply for the supplemental draft.

“I am grateful for the support from my family, my Tech coaching staff, teammates, the community, and so many others who have encouraged me to address and learn more about this important issue,” Sorsby said in a statement posted to social media. “As my journey continues, I remain fully committed to and focused on being the best I can be, both on and off the field.”

While Sorsby has closed the door on returning to college football, it remains uncertain whether the NFL will grant him entry to the supplemental draft. The league has not conducted one since 2019, and commissioner Roger Goodell has the option to deny Sorsby’s application. The nature of Sorsby’s scandal -- placing thousands of bets totaling at least $90,000, including some on the teams for which he played -- could give Goodell pause about allowing the embattled QB to jump to the pros through this process.

Even if Sorsby receives admission to the supplemental draft, Goodell could still suspend him. Under the original injunction, Sorsby would have sat for the opening two games of Texas Tech’s season, providing the league with cover should Goodell opt for a suspension. The NFL has suspended other players for actions taken before entering the league, most notably issuing Terrelle Pryor a five-game ban for receiving improper benefits while playing for Ohio State.

Still, it appears more likely than not that the NFL will grant Sorsby entry to the supplemental draft, and that means teams around the league must weigh his upside against the risks he poses. That includes the Green Bay Packers, who have compelling reasons to consider a bid.