The Pittsburgh Steelers now have another quarterback to be linked to after headlines have continued to surround controversial quarterback prospect Brendan Sorsby. Sorsby has found himself in hot water because of gambling violations that included wagering on games while he was on the active roster at Indiana. It's a messy situation for a player attempting to reach the NFL.
Nathan Giese / Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Brendan Sorsby during his time playing for the Texas Tech Red Raiders in college.
Sorsby was expected to play for Texas Tech in 2026, or at least compete legally for a role there, but after his situation became more complicated, he withdrew his lawsuit and ultimately declared for the NFL Supplemental Draft. Naturally, given the Steelers' unsettled quarterback situation after 2026 and General Manager Omar Khan's perceived desperation to find a franchise quarterback, many have connected the dots and suggested Pittsburgh could take a swing on Sorsby.
The most obvious concern is that if the Steelers were to select him in the supplemental draft, gambling baggage aside, they would have to submit a bid and surrender 2027 draft capital that could prove extremely valuable. That, coupled with the off-field concerns, immediate disciplinary risk, mechanical flaws, and the loss of future assets, presents quite an interesting decision for Khan, Head Coach Mike McCarthy, and the organization. However, according to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, Pittsburgh isn't afraid to do its due diligence on the controversial quarterback prospect. In fact, they have been studying up on Sorsby for several months now.
"Steelers have been looking into Sorsby for months," Kaboly said. "This isn't new. This also doesn't mean they are interested. Means they have been snooping around for some time."
The Steelers' 2026 season appears set to be one last ride with Aaron Rodgers. The 42-year-old quarterback has already stated that he plans to retire following the season, and Steelers fans are understandably eager to move on from the veteran stopgap approach at quarterback. Rodgers helped lead Pittsburgh to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title in 2025.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback and leader, Aaron Rodgers (right) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
However, the playoff result was much of the same from the last decade, ending in another lopsided home defeat. Now, the future Hall of Fame quarterback is looking to recapture some vintage magic in 2026 as he attempts to end his career with one final Super Bowl run.
With two young and intriguing options behind Rodgers in Will Howard and Drew Allar, there is at least some reason for optimism. McCarthy is regarded as a quarterback whisperer with a proven track record of developing the position. Perhaps he can strike gold with one of them, as iron sharpens iron. However, few have legitimate confidence that either Howard or Allar is the long-term answer.
Steelers Watch As QB Sorsby Has First-Round Grade
Sorsby, meanwhile, was viewed by some evaluators as a potential first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft and likely would have been one in 2027 as well. If that is truly the case, perhaps sacrificing a supplemental draft pick would be worth the risk. However, the off-field baggage, coupled with a diagnosed gambling addiction, creates a tremendous amount of uncertainty.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks out to the crowd and takes it all in as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice being held in Latrobe, PA.
At the very least, Steeler Nation now knows that Khan, McCarthy, and company have been snooping around. Just how much interest Pittsburgh actually has in the controversial quarterback prospect remains largely unknown.
Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. Whether it’s roster moves, coaching decisions, or game-day reactions, I read and respond whenever I can. Your input helps drive the conversation and keeps the Steelers community active and engaged.
#SteelerNation