The Cleveland Browns are reportedly making a serious push to acquire quarterback Brendan Sorsby in the upcoming supplemental draft, a move that would add another intriguing arm to an already crowded and complex quarterback room. According to league sources, the Browns have been "putting in work" to land the former Cincinnati and Indiana signal-caller, signaling that general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Todd Monken are not done reshaping the most important position on the roster.
This is not a casual kick of the tires. The Browns, who currently carry four quarterbacks on the active roster--Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green--appear to view Sorsby as a developmental asset worth the investment of a supplemental draft pick. That investment would cost the Browns a corresponding pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, meaning Berry and his staff have to decide just how much Sorsby is worth on their long-term board.
Let's break down what this means for the Browns, where Sorsby fits, and why Cleveland is so aggressively exploring this route.
What Is the Supplemental Draft?
First, a quick refresher for those who need it. The NFL supplemental draft is a mechanism that allows players who did not enter the regular draft--often due to eligibility issues, off-field circumstances, or late departures from college--to still find their way onto an NFL roster. Teams submit a bid by forfeiting a pick in the following year's draft. The team that bids the highest round pick gets the player. If multiple teams bid in the same round, the team with the worse record the previous season wins.
So if the Browns were to submit a fifth-round bid and no other team bids higher, they would surrender their 2027 fifth-round pick for the rights to Sorsby. If another team bids a fourth-rounder and Cleveland counters with a third, the price goes up accordingly.
It's a gamble. You're essentially betting on a player you didn't see enough of in a traditional draft cycle, and you're sacrificing future capital to get him now. For a team like the Browns that has already invested heavily in quarterbacks, it's a fascinating calculation.
Who Is Brendan Sorsby?
Brendan Sorsby is not a household name, but he has quietly built a solid college résumé. After beginning his career at Indiana, where he showed flashes of promise in a struggling offense, he transferred to Cincinnati for the 2025 season. There, he completed over 62% of his passes for 2,800 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions, while also adding 450 yards and 5 scores on the ground.
Sorsby is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and good mobility in the pocket. He's not the polished, pro-style passer that some teams covet, but he has the raw tools that offensive coaches love to develop. At 6'3" and 225 pounds, he has the frame to withstand NFL hits and the athleticism to extend plays--a trait that fits the modern NFL.
However, Sorsby's decision to enter the supplemental draft came after some off-field concerns and a transfer situation that complicated his eligibility timeline. The league conducted its standard review, and Sorsby was cleared for the supplemental process. The Browns, per multiple reports, have done extensive homework on his background and believe the character concerns are either overblown or manageable.
Where Does He Fit in the Browns' QB Room?
This is the most critical question. The Browns already have five quarterbacks on the roster if you count all four active players plus Sorsby as a potential addition. But the depth chart is not as settled as it looks.
Deshaun Watson remains the nominal starter, but his performance since arriving in Cleveland has been inconsistent, and the team has not been shy about adding competition. Shedeur Sanders, the 2026 second-round pick out of Colorado, is viewed as the quarterback of the future, but he's still raw and could benefit from a year of development. Dillon Gabriel, the veteran free-agent addition, provides insurance and mentorship. Taylen Green is a raw athlete with intriguing physical tools but is a project.
Adding Sorsby would create a logjam at the bottom of the depth chart. But for a team that has seen Watson miss significant time due to injury and suspension over the past two seasons, having too many quarterbacks is a luxury, not a problem.
The Browns could stash Sorsby on the practice squad if he's not immediately ready, or they could carry five quarterbacks into training camp and let the competition sort itself out. With the expanded practice squad rules, there's more flexibility than ever to develop young talent without sacrificing a roster spot.
The Monken Factor
Head coach Todd Monken, who also serves as the offensive play-caller, has a reputation for getting the most out of quarterbacks with diverse skill sets. His system in Cleveland has incorporated elements of the Air Raid, West Coast, and RPO-based concepts, and he has shown a willingness to tailor the offense to his quarterback's strengths.
Sorsby's mobility and arm talent would give Monken another weapon to work with, particularly in the zone-read and play-action game. The Browns have invested heavily in the offensive line and running game--with Quinshon Judkins and Ahmani Marshall leading the backfield--and adding a quarterback who can keep defenses honest with his legs only makes that attack more dangerous.
It's also worth noting that Monken has experience developing quarterbacks at the college and pro levels. He helped turn Baker Mayfield into a Heisman winner at Oklahoma and has worked with Jameis Winston and Lamar Jackson in the NFL. If anyone can extract value from a project like Sorsby, it's Monken.
What Does This Say About the Browns' Long-Term Plan?
This move, if it happens, signals that the Browns are not content to simply hand the keys to the offense to any one quarterback without a serious competition. Even with Watson's massive contract and Sanders' draft pedigree, the front office is still looking for upgrades and depth.
It also suggests that Andrew Berry operates with a "best available" mentality, not a "need-based" one. The Browns don't desperately need a fifth quarterback, but if Berry believes Sorsby has starter potential or even valuable trade capital down the line, he's willing to invest.
Remember, the supplemental draft is a low-risk, high-reward proposition. A fifth-round pick is not a guarantee of anything--most fifth-rounders don't become starters. But if Sorsby develops into even a competent backup, that's a win. If he becomes a starter, that's a massive value.
The Browns have also used unconventional roster-building methods before. They've aggressively traded, signed free agents, and drafted at every position. Adding a supplemental draft quarterback fits that mold.
The Competition
The Browns are not the only team interested. Several other franchises have reportedly done background work on Sorsby, including the Arizona Cardinals, who have their own quarterback questions. The Browns' willingness to "put in work" suggests they are willing to outbid the competition, potentially sacrificing a higher-round pick than other teams might.
The supplemental draft order is determined by the previous season's record, so the Browns' 8-9 finish in 2025 gives them a mid-round position. If another team with a worse record bids aggressively, Cleveland may have to overpay.
But that's a risk Berry seems willing to take.
Bottom Line
The Cleveland Browns are actively pursuing Brendan Sorsby in the supplemental draft, a move that would add another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating quarterback room. While the immediate impact may be minimal--Sorsby is a developmental prospect, not a Week 1 starter--the long-term upside is worth the gamble.
For a team that has struggled to find stability at the most important position in sports, there's no such thing as too many options. The Browns are betting that Sorsby can be another one worth exploring.
Stay tuned. The supplemental draft is expected to take place later this month, and the Browns are clearly positioning themselves to be players.