Steelers’ backup plan for Aaron Rodgers could suddenly include a rookie quarterback that no one saw coming after the NFL Draft

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Steelers’ backup plan for Aaron Rodgers could suddenly include a rookie quarterback that no one saw coming after the NFL Draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated May 4, 2026 1:03 PM ET

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One of the biggest stories in recent college football history could lead to another chance at a rookie quarterback in 2026, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the teams to monitor.

The Pittsburgh Steelers already drafted a rookie quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, using pick 76 on Penn State QB Drew Allar, while the reviews are mixed on the toolsy but raw signal caller, many assume that if he can learn under Aaron Rodgers, it will do wonders for his development.

But what if the Steelers don’t get Aaron Rodgers back? What if they’re decsion to tender him just so happens to have the opposite effect? Well, a quarterback who many assumed would be a 2027 first-rounder may become available.

Brendan Sorsby 2025 Stats

3,380 all-purpose yards
36 total touchdowns
61.6% completition percentage

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby may be headed for the supplemental draft

“Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby, who is under NCAA investigation for making bets via a gambling app, has retained the noted lawyer Jeffrey Kessler to try to regain his college eligibility, sources tell me and Pete Thamel.”

“If Sorsby and Kessler are unsuccessful in finding a path to eligibility, declaring for the NFL’s supplemental draft then would become an option. Sorsby would have until June 30 to declare for the supplemental draft.” – Adam Schefter, ESPN

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What is the supplemental draft?

Every summer, usually months after the NFL Draft, the NFL will host a supplemental draft, where players who have had an eligibility issue post the draft but before the season are eligible to be selected by teams.

In most years, no one is selected at all. Teams don’t typically take fliers on players who did something so out of the ordinary that they lost their college eligibility. Well, that might change with Sorbsy. The gambling accusations are not a great look, but the talent is undeniable. Many believe he would have been the second quarterback taken in this class had he declared. So would the Steelers, or any other team, actually pursue Sorsby?

Here’s some insight from Ryan Roberts of A to Z Sports college football.

How likely is the supplemental draft if Sorsby doesn’t get his eligibility back?

“Of the options on the table for Sorsby if he loses the 2026 season of eligibility, this is the most likely route. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero spoke about the possibility on the Rich Eisen Show last week. That included some potential high demand for Sorsby, potentially to an unprecedented degree.” Roberts

The important part here is the date. If the Steelers still don’t have an asnwer from Rodgers by the time the draft rolls around, which would all likelihood be in late June/July, it’s at least worth pondering from the Steelers’ POV.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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