The NFL offseason just got a little more interesting thanks to Brendan Sorsby and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are part of the conversation.

With Brendan Sorsby intending to enter the NFL’s supplmental draft (if they choose to hold the event), the Buccaneers now have a new quarterback prospect to evaluate that could eventually become a solid starter in the league.

That will catch any team’s eye and that’s been the case, so far. According to Sorsby’s agent, 26 NFL teams have reached out since they announced the decision to enter the supplemental draft.

So, with all that being said, I brought in our college football guru, Ryan Roberts, to help break down the pros and cons of a potential Brendan Sorsby-Buccaneers partnership.

Do Brendan Sorsby and the Buccaneers make any sense, at all?

Ryan: If it came down to just pure talent and upside, Brendan Sorsby would be a very easy sell. He’s an incredibly physically gifted quarterback, who brings a nice blend of athleticism, size, and arm talent to the table. If he had a strong season in 2026, there was a good chance he could have gone early in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft. The tools are that good. 

With the issues of gambling, addiction, and such a small time to figure out all the details, I find it hard to believe that teams will mortgage a first or second rounder for Sorsby in the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft. In theory, a team could be getting a first-round talent with a mid-round selection, which brings some intriguing value to the table. If comfortable with the person and the situation, it feels like a no-brainer investment. 

For the Buccaneers specifically, I would very much be in on the Sorsby sweepstakes. With the ongoing contract talks with Baker Mayfield, there is an interesting debate that will be ongoing this offseason. While Mayfield is a good quarterback, is he good enough to overpay near the top of the quarterback market? That’s what the Tampa Bay staff needs to decide and we’re likely talking north of $50 million-plus in terms of APY. 

There is a world where Mayfield could end up being a bit of a bridge of development for Sorsby next season, which could lead into an opportunity during his second season. If they happen to miss on a player like Sorsby, or end up giving Mayfield a new big deal, nobody is going to remember in a couple years if it’s just a third or fourth round investment.

This is an ideology that I’d be all on board with. The Buccaneers feel like they need a bit of an injection of optimism and excitement, to boot.

The Buccaneers wouldn’t be just taking a risk with Brendan Sorsby, they would be taking one with Baker Mayfield, too

Evan: From a strictly-Sorsby angle, it all makes sense for the Buccaneers as long as the price is right. Personally, I wouldn’t spend anything higher than a third-round pick due to the risk involved. Either way, he’s certainly worth the gamble (pun totally intended) if the value is there.

But here’s where it gets a little dicey with Sorsby: the Baker Mayfield contract situation.

Mayfield said during mandatory minicamp that talks haven’t progressed since his first comments came out on June 5. That’s nearly two weeks ago and while there is still plenty of time to get something done before the training camp deadline, the clock is ticking.

Let’s run this hypothetical: What if the Buccaneers invested decent draft capital in Sorsby and took him before they got a deal done with Mayfield?

Mayfield’s been adamant contract negotiations won’t affect what he does on the field and there’s no reason to distrust that. But, adding a player that could become a starting-caliber quarterback before he’s given a new deal could certainly ruffle feathers.

So, what if Mayfield goes on to have a great year and the Sorsby move muddles the Buccaneers’ chances of retaining him? Then, what if Mayfield walks and Sorsby doesn’t pan out, or even worse, he relapses and is disciplined by the NFL (which would be a year-long/indefinite suspension, by the way)?

Sure, there are a lot of moving parts in this hypothetical and it’s a down-the-road scenario, but still, it could certainly come to fruition and while you don’t want to deal in hypotheticals often – this one warrants some thought.

Because the Buccaneers would be betting on the future and if Mayfield is still playing at a high level, watching him walk wouldn’t be the correct move toward sustaining a successful future. Even if it Sorsby were to work out.

Ultimately, the Bucs need to place their bets on Mayfield and not hedge them on Sorsby.