The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have a backup plan in case things don’t work out with Baker Mayfield after Monday night’s news.

Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, controversial Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has decided to apply for the NFL’s supplemental draft. Sorsby was previously granted a temporary injunction that deemed him eligible for the 2026 season, despite placing more than $90,000 in bets during his college career. However, the Big 12 complicated the issue by filing a federal injunction that would allow the conference to discipline Sorsby.

Additionally, Cody Campbell, chairman of the Texas Tech board of regents, said Sorsby would “not be part of the Texas Tech football team this fall”. With that, Sorsby decided applying for the supplemental draft is the best move for his career.

The belief is the NFL will allow Sorsby to enter the draft, which creates a conversation for the Buccaneers.

Would the Buccaneers even be interested in Brendan Sorsby?

Yes, there is interest. Granted, that doesn’t mean the Buccaneers are going to try and hang the moon in acquiring him – as they shouldn’t. The risk is obvious, here, especially when considering the volume of bets Sorsby placed, believed to be over 9,000, and the fact he bet on the very team he played for.

However, when talking strictly football, it’s easy to see why there’s interest. Many believe Sorsby would’ve been a Round 1 pick in the 2025 draft. On top of that, many believe he’d become a top-10 pick after a successful 2026 season thanks to traits such as size, arm strength, mobility, production, and football IQ.

The chance to get that kind of prospect with a Day 2 or Day 3 pick is one few teams will pass up, even with the attached baggage.

Brendan Sorsby could be viewed as a potential successor to Baker Mayfield

With all that being said, Sorsby is the kind of prospect that could be viewed as the successor to Baker Mayfield if a new deal isn’t reached with the Buccaneers.

Sorsby has obviously missed OTAs and mandatory minicamp, but he’d be able to participate in training camp, which is most important. As it currently stands, the Buccaneers don’t have a surefire QB2, even after the addition of Jake Browning and the progression of Connor Bazelak.

Meaning, there’s a world where Sorsby comes in during training camp and wins the backup job. That kind of development could easily leave the Buccaneers feeling encouraged and confident enough to allow him to take the reins in case an agreement can’t be reached with Mayfield.

How would the Buccaneers acquire Brendan Sorsby in the supplemental draft?

The supplemental draft isn’t your typical draft. For starters, the NFL has to decided if it even wants to hold the event, evidenced by the fact it’s occurred just three times since 2012.

The draft order isn’t your basic order, either. Teams are placed into three groups: those with six or fewer wins, the non-playoff teams, and then the 14 playoff teams. Each group is randomized, so teams won’t know where they’re picking. The draft last seven rounds and the team that places the highest bid is awarded the player.

The Buccaneers have a pick in each round of the 2027 draft, so they’d be “in the mix” for all seven rounds. If no bid is placed, Sorsby becomes a UDFA and is allowed to sign with any team.

Should the Buccaneers roll the dice on Brendan Sorsby if given the chance?

It’s a tricky call, for sure. Mayfield is clearly the best option no matter what, but at the same time, paying him north of $50 million per year is a major investment and it’s one that can really hurt the team if it doesn’t pan out for whatever reason.

Just how much would it actually hurt the Buccaneers if they spent, let’s say, a third-rounder on Sorsby and then he got in trouble for gambling, again? Yes, draft picks are valuable, but using a third-round selection on a potential franchise QB with an affordable contract balances out the risk, in my eyes. Round 3 has been very kind to the Buccaneers over the last several years, though, which is important to consider in itself.

And again, there’s the whole situation where the Buccaneers may not have to spend any capital at all and sign Sorsby as a UDFA.

But ultimately, the Buccaneers need to pass on Sorsby. Mayfield should be the top priority and the guy moving forward. It’s also important to note the projected strength of next year’s quarterback class. If Mayfield were to go to another team, the Bucs could definitely find a suitable replacement that doesn’t carry the risk Sorsby carries.

Regardless, we’ll find out how the Bucs feel soon enough if/once Sorsby is allowed to enter the supplemental draft.