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Sorsby was caught up in gambling allegations that sent him to rehab and likely ends his college career.

It now looks like the best bet for Sorsby’s immediate future is to turn pro through the NFL Supplemental Draft, which is expected to be held in mid July.

What is the Supplemental Draft? How much interest would Sorsby really draw? Let’s dive into the history of the NFL’s other draft, with more context on what makes Sorsby such an enticing prospect.

What is the NFL Supplemental Draft?

What, exactly, is the NFL Supplemental Draft?

Begun in 1977, the NFL Supplemental Draft is held for players that lost their remaining college eligibility after the league’s deadline to enter the NFL’s standard player entry draft. For those wondering, Al Hunter was the first player taken in an NFL Supplemental Draft in 1977, after the Notre Dame running back was suspended from the school for disciplinary reasons.

Perhaps the most notable NFL Supplemental Drafts have been in 1985 and 1989. In March of 1985, Miami (FL) quarterback Bernie Kosar announced that he planned on skipping his final two years of college to enter the 1985 NFL Draft.

But at that time, NFL rules only allowed college seniors and graduates to enter the NFL Draft. To work around this, Kosar had arranged an accelerated academic plan, where he would take 18 credits in the spring of 1985 and an additional six more in the summer, to meet the eligibility requirements.

During his announcement Kosar, who grew up in Ohio as a Cleveland Browns fan, made it clear he wanted to play for his hometown team.

However, Kosar was considered an elite prospect, and teams started angling for position in the first round for a shot at Kosar. Most notably the Minnesota Vikings executed a trade with the Houston Oilers to pick up a top pick in the first round, hoping to land Kosar.

Cleveland, however, quietly executed a trade with the Buffalo Bills, acquiring Buffalo’s first pick in the 1985 Supplemental Draft in exchange for first-round picks in 1985 and 1986, as wells as a third round selection in 1985 and a sixth-round pick in 1986.

Kosar did not meet the deadline to enter the 1985 NFL Draft, which came in April.

That is when the rest of the league learned about Cleveland’s trade with the Bills. The Oilers threatened to sue to stop the 1985 NFL Draft from taking place, as Houston also wanted a chance to draft Kosar. Teams implored NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to reverse the trade between the Browns and the Bills. The quarterback’s agent warned that he would sue the league if Kosar was forced to enter the traditional draft.

Ultimately, Rozelle gave Kosar the choice between the two drafts, and the quarterback announced he was skipping the 1985 NFL Draft and entering the Supplemental Draft, where the Browns used their first selection to draft the quarterback.

The 1989 NFL Supplemental Draft was notable for having three players selected in the first round — quarterbacks Steve Walsh and Timm Rosenbach, and running back Bobby Humphrey.

To date, 46 players have been selected in an NFL Supplemental Draft, with safety Jalen Thompson in 2019 the most recent selection. Of those 46 players only one, wide receiver Cris Carter, has made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Carter was suspended before his senior season for signing with an agent.

How does the order work in the Supplemental Draft?

The chaos around Kosar in 1985 forced the league to adjust how the order is determined for the Supplemental Draft.

Previously, the order for the NFL Draft was the same as the order for the Supplemental Draft, but in the wake of Kosar, the league implemented the quasi-random ordering process that is in place today. Teams are divided into three pools — non-playoff teams with six or fewer wins, non-playoff teams with seven or more wins, and then the playoff teams — and teams “bid” on players, indicating in which round they would select that player. If no other team places a bid on a player in an earlier spot, then the team that placed the bid is awarded the player, and forfeits an equivalent pick in the next NFL Draft.

So when the Arizona Cardinals drafted Jalen Thompson in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Supplemental Draft, they forfeited a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Why might Brendan Sorsby need the NFL Supplemental Draft?

All of this leads us to Brendan Sorsby.

Last year at Cincinnati, Sorsby completed nearly 62% of his passes for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, against just five interceptions. He also added another 580 rushing yards and nine touchdowns for the Bearcats. But he announced in December of last year that he was transferring, and became one of the most sought-after players in the portal. In fact, ESPN rated Sorsby as the top player in the transfer portal.

In January, after visiting Texas Tech and LSU, Sorsby announced he was joining the Red Raiders, with projections indicating he might surpass $5 million in NIL money.

Even in a crowded quarterback class for the 2027 NFL Draft, Sorsby was one of the favorites for a first-round pick next year. Consider this list from the various “way too early” mock drafts:

Then came word in late April that Sorsby was stepping away from Texas Tech to enter into a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction. A report from ESPN outlined that Sorsby made “thousands” of online bets across various sports via a gambling app, including games on Indiana football while Sorsby was a reserve quarterback for the Hoosiers. ESPN reported that Sorsby’s bets in 2022 were on Indiana to win games, and those bets did not include the one game where Sorsby saw the field for the Hoosiers.

See if you can tell, courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database, when this news emerged:

Sorsby has not been ruled ineligible for the 2026 college football season, and the NCAA said in a statement to USA Today that the governing body would not comment on an ongoing investigation. But if he is ruled ineligible by the NCAA in the coming weeks, then the NFL Supplemental Draft would be an option for him.

And as you can see from the above, there is still a belief that if Sorsby is allowed to play next year, he would be a first-round pick, based on the early mock drafts for next year.

However, the clock is ticking. Sorsby has until June 22 to apply for the 2026 Supplemental Draft, and then the league would review the circumstances regarding his application. As noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Sorsby has hired attorney Jeffrey Kessler to try and maintain his college eligibility and perhaps speed up the process and/or negotiate a settlement on a suspension.

Which brings us to the latest development.

The injunction request, and what happens next

This story took another turn on Monday.

As first reported by ESPN Sorsby, through his attorneys, has filed for an injunction against the NCAA in Lubbock, Texas. In the filing, according to ESPN, Sorsby alleges that he is “currently ineligible to play for Texas Tech due to prior violations of the NCAA’s sports gambling rules” and that he would be “irreparably harmed” if the injunction were not granted.

It is worth noting that the NCAA has not issued any public statement, nor has the governing body made any penalty public. This would seem to indicate that Sorsby has been notified privately of a potential penalty from the NCAA.

In the injunction filing, which SB Nation has reviewed, Sorsby alleges that he suffers from a “clinically diagnosed” gambling disorder, and further states that is a “mental health condition.” The filing also alleges that the NCAA has “weaponized his condition to shore up a facade of competitive integrity, while simultaneously profiting from the very gambling ecosystem it policies.”

Furthermore, the filing states that:

When Mr. Sorsby took accountability for his NCAA gambling rules violations (which undisputedly did not raise any integrity issues, i.e., his bets did not threaten the fairness, honesty, and/or transparency of athletic competitions, or otherwise influence the outcome or athlete performance in those competitions), entered residential treatment, and offered to accept reasonable discipline (but not a full loss of eligibility for the upcoming season at Texas Tech), the NCAA responded not with the compassion its constitution (“Constitution” or “NCAA Constitution”) demands, but with stonewalling, pretextual information demands, delay, and silence. This is not what Texas law or common decency requires.

The filing also notes that “[t]ime is of the essence.” Specifically, Sorsby is in the final year of eligiblity, a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that, once lost, can never be recovered.”

Sorsby, through his attorneys, notes that:

If the NCAA refuses to reinstate him and he is not awarded temporary relief, Mr. Sorsby’s only alternative is the NFL Supplemental Draft, which requires him to opt in—and forgo any effort to restore his remaining college eligibility—by June 22, 2026. The NCAA has manufactured an impossible bind: it delays its reinstatement decision while the NFL deadline closes in, forcing Mr. Sorsby to choose between surrendering college eligibility he wants to retain, while risking the loss of a full year of competitive football entirely. This is not equity. Mr. Sorsby has diligently pursued every alternative avenue for relief, but he is not obligated to continue doing so in light of the irreparable harm he now faces. Only this Court can hold the NCAA to its own rules—and provide Mr. Sorsby and Texas Tech the timely relief they are owed.

The request for an injunction also seeks a hearing no later than June 15, so that “the Court has the opportunity to render a decision on his request for a temporary injunction prior to June 22, when Mr. Sorsby must determine whether to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.”

#Brendan #Sorsbys #gambling #allegations #college #football #career #NFL #Supplemental #Draft"> Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?  Brendan Sorsby was one of college football’s highest-paid players in the transfer portal, and he was considered a possible first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The 6’3 quarterback left Cincinnati for Texas Tech after a tremendous junior season for a reported sum of $5 million. Just when the Red Raiders were celebrating the addition of one of the country’s top QBs, Sorsby was caught up in gambling allegations that sent him to rehab and likely ends his college career.It now looks like the best bet for Sorsby’s immediate future is to turn pro through the NFL Supplemental Draft, which is expected to be held in mid July.What is the Supplemental Draft? How much interest would Sorsby really draw? Let’s dive into the history of the NFL’s other draft, with more context on what makes Sorsby such an enticing prospect.What is the NFL Supplemental Draft?What, exactly, is the NFL Supplemental Draft?Begun in 1977, the NFL Supplemental Draft is held for players that lost their remaining college eligibility after the league’s deadline to enter the NFL’s standard player entry draft. For those wondering, Al Hunter was the first player taken in an NFL Supplemental Draft in 1977, after the Notre Dame running back was suspended from the school for disciplinary reasons.Perhaps the most notable NFL Supplemental Drafts have been in 1985 and 1989. In March of 1985, Miami (FL) quarterback Bernie Kosar announced that he planned on skipping his final two years of college to enter the 1985 NFL Draft.But at that time, NFL rules only allowed college seniors and graduates to enter the NFL Draft. To work around this, Kosar had arranged an accelerated academic plan, where he would take 18 credits in the spring of 1985 and an additional six more in the summer, to meet the eligibility requirements.During his announcement Kosar, who grew up in Ohio as a Cleveland Browns fan, made it clear he wanted to play for his hometown team.However, Kosar was considered an elite prospect, and teams started angling for position in the first round for a shot at Kosar. Most notably the Minnesota Vikings executed a trade with the Houston Oilers to pick up a top pick in the first round, hoping to land Kosar.Cleveland, however, quietly executed a trade with the Buffalo Bills, acquiring Buffalo’s first pick in the 1985 Supplemental Draft in exchange for first-round picks in 1985 and 1986, as wells as a third round selection in 1985 and a sixth-round pick in 1986.Kosar did not meet the deadline to enter the 1985 NFL Draft, which came in April.That is when the rest of the league learned about Cleveland’s trade with the Bills. The Oilers threatened to sue to stop the 1985 NFL Draft from taking place, as Houston also wanted a chance to draft Kosar. Teams implored NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to reverse the trade between the Browns and the Bills. The quarterback’s agent warned that he would sue the league if Kosar was forced to enter the traditional draft.Ultimately, Rozelle gave Kosar the choice between the two drafts, and the quarterback announced he was skipping the 1985 NFL Draft and entering the Supplemental Draft, where the Browns used their first selection to draft the quarterback.The 1989 NFL Supplemental Draft was notable for having three players selected in the first round — quarterbacks Steve Walsh and Timm Rosenbach, and running back Bobby Humphrey.To date, 46 players have been selected in an NFL Supplemental Draft, with safety Jalen Thompson in 2019 the most recent selection. Of those 46 players only one, wide receiver Cris Carter, has made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Carter was suspended before his senior season for signing with an agent.How does the order work in the Supplemental Draft?The chaos around Kosar in 1985 forced the league to adjust how the order is determined for the Supplemental Draft.Previously, the order for the NFL Draft was the same as the order for the Supplemental Draft, but in the wake of Kosar, the league implemented the quasi-random ordering process that is in place today. Teams are divided into three pools — non-playoff teams with six or fewer wins, non-playoff teams with seven or more wins, and then the playoff teams — and teams “bid” on players, indicating in which round they would select that player. If no other team places a bid on a player in an earlier spot, then the team that placed the bid is awarded the player, and forfeits an equivalent pick in the next NFL Draft.So when the Arizona Cardinals drafted Jalen Thompson in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Supplemental Draft, they forfeited a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.Why might Brendan Sorsby need the NFL Supplemental Draft?All of this leads us to Brendan Sorsby.Last year at Cincinnati, Sorsby completed nearly 62% of his passes for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, against just five interceptions. He also added another 580 rushing yards and nine touchdowns for the Bearcats. But he announced in December of last year that he was transferring, and became one of the most sought-after players in the portal. In fact, ESPN rated Sorsby as the top player in the transfer portal.In January, after visiting Texas Tech and LSU, Sorsby announced he was joining the Red Raiders, with projections indicating he might surpass $5 million in NIL money.Even in a crowded quarterback class for the 2027 NFL Draft, Sorsby was one of the favorites for a first-round pick next year. Consider this list from the various “way too early” mock drafts:USA TODAY Sports: No. 13 overall, Pittsburgh SteelersPro Football Focus: No. 8 overall, Pittsburgh SteelersCBS Sports: No. 8 overall, Pittsburgh SteelersBleacher Report: No. 10 overall, Atlanta FalconsNJ.com: No. 4 overall, Cleveland BrownsThen came word in late April that Sorsby was stepping away from Texas Tech to enter into a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction. A report from ESPN outlined that Sorsby made “thousands” of online bets across various sports via a gambling app, including games on Indiana football while Sorsby was a reserve quarterback for the Hoosiers. ESPN reported that Sorsby’s bets in 2022 were on Indiana to win games, and those bets did not include the one game where Sorsby saw the field for the Hoosiers.See if you can tell, courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database, when this news emerged:Sorsby has not been ruled ineligible for the 2026 college football season, and the NCAA said in a statement to USA Today that the governing body would not comment on an ongoing investigation. But if he is ruled ineligible by the NCAA in the coming weeks, then the NFL Supplemental Draft would be an option for him.And as you can see from the above, there is still a belief that if Sorsby is allowed to play next year, he would be a first-round pick, based on the early mock drafts for next year.However, the clock is ticking. Sorsby has until June 22 to apply for the 2026 Supplemental Draft, and then the league would review the circumstances regarding his application. As noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Sorsby has hired attorney Jeffrey Kessler to try and maintain his college eligibility and perhaps speed up the process and/or negotiate a settlement on a suspension.Which brings us to the latest development.The injunction request, and what happens nextThis story took another turn on Monday.As first reported by ESPN Sorsby, through his attorneys, has filed for an injunction against the NCAA in Lubbock, Texas. In the filing, according to ESPN, Sorsby alleges that he is “currently ineligible to play for Texas Tech due to prior violations of the NCAA’s sports gambling rules” and that he would be “irreparably harmed” if the injunction were not granted.It is worth noting that the NCAA has not issued any public statement, nor has the governing body made any penalty public. This would seem to indicate that Sorsby has been notified privately of a potential penalty from the NCAA.In the injunction filing, which SB Nation has reviewed, Sorsby alleges that he suffers from a “clinically diagnosed” gambling disorder, and further states that is a “mental health condition.” The filing also alleges that the NCAA has “weaponized his condition to shore up a facade of competitive integrity, while simultaneously profiting from the very gambling ecosystem it policies.”Furthermore, the filing states that:When Mr. Sorsby took accountability for his NCAA gambling rules violations (which undisputedly did not raise any integrity issues, i.e., his bets did not threaten the fairness, honesty, and/or transparency of athletic competitions, or otherwise influence the outcome or athlete performance in those competitions), entered residential treatment, and offered to accept reasonable discipline (but not a full loss of eligibility for the upcoming season at Texas Tech), the NCAA responded not with the compassion its constitution (“Constitution” or “NCAA Constitution”) demands, but with stonewalling, pretextual information demands, delay, and silence. This is not what Texas law or common decency requires.The filing also notes that “[t]ime is of the essence.” Specifically, Sorsby is in the final year of eligiblity, a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that, once lost, can never be recovered.”Sorsby, through his attorneys, notes that:If the NCAA refuses to reinstate him and he is not awarded temporary relief, Mr. Sorsby’s only alternative is the NFL Supplemental Draft, which requires him to opt in—and forgo any effort to restore his remaining college eligibility—by June 22, 2026. The NCAA has manufactured an impossible bind: it delays its reinstatement decision while the NFL deadline closes in, forcing Mr. Sorsby to choose between surrendering college eligibility he wants to retain, while risking the loss of a full year of competitive football entirely. This is not equity. Mr. Sorsby has diligently pursued every alternative avenue for relief, but he is not obligated to continue doing so in light of the irreparable harm he now faces. Only this Court can hold the NCAA to its own rules—and provide Mr. Sorsby and Texas Tech the timely relief they are owed.The request for an injunction also seeks a hearing no later than June 15, so that “the Court has the opportunity to render a decision on his request for a temporary injunction prior to June 22, when Mr. Sorsby must determine whether to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.”  #Brendan #Sorsbys #gambling #allegations #college #football #career #NFL #Supplemental #Draft
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Sorsby was caught up in gambling allegations that sent him to rehab and likely ends his college career.

It now looks like the best bet for Sorsby’s immediate future is to turn pro through the NFL Supplemental Draft, which is expected to be held in mid July.

What is the Supplemental Draft? How much interest would Sorsby really draw? Let’s dive into the history of the NFL’s other draft, with more context on what makes Sorsby such an enticing prospect.

What is the NFL Supplemental Draft?

What, exactly, is the NFL Supplemental Draft?

Begun in 1977, the NFL Supplemental Draft is held for players that lost their remaining college eligibility after the league’s deadline to enter the NFL’s standard player entry draft. For those wondering, Al Hunter was the first player taken in an NFL Supplemental Draft in 1977, after the Notre Dame running back was suspended from the school for disciplinary reasons.

Perhaps the most notable NFL Supplemental Drafts have been in 1985 and 1989. In March of 1985, Miami (FL) quarterback Bernie Kosar announced that he planned on skipping his final two years of college to enter the 1985 NFL Draft.

But at that time, NFL rules only allowed college seniors and graduates to enter the NFL Draft. To work around this, Kosar had arranged an accelerated academic plan, where he would take 18 credits in the spring of 1985 and an additional six more in the summer, to meet the eligibility requirements.

During his announcement Kosar, who grew up in Ohio as a Cleveland Browns fan, made it clear he wanted to play for his hometown team.

However, Kosar was considered an elite prospect, and teams started angling for position in the first round for a shot at Kosar. Most notably the Minnesota Vikings executed a trade with the Houston Oilers to pick up a top pick in the first round, hoping to land Kosar.

Cleveland, however, quietly executed a trade with the Buffalo Bills, acquiring Buffalo’s first pick in the 1985 Supplemental Draft in exchange for first-round picks in 1985 and 1986, as wells as a third round selection in 1985 and a sixth-round pick in 1986.

Kosar did not meet the deadline to enter the 1985 NFL Draft, which came in April.

That is when the rest of the league learned about Cleveland’s trade with the Bills. The Oilers threatened to sue to stop the 1985 NFL Draft from taking place, as Houston also wanted a chance to draft Kosar. Teams implored NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to reverse the trade between the Browns and the Bills. The quarterback’s agent warned that he would sue the league if Kosar was forced to enter the traditional draft.

Ultimately, Rozelle gave Kosar the choice between the two drafts, and the quarterback announced he was skipping the 1985 NFL Draft and entering the Supplemental Draft, where the Browns used their first selection to draft the quarterback.

The 1989 NFL Supplemental Draft was notable for having three players selected in the first round — quarterbacks Steve Walsh and Timm Rosenbach, and running back Bobby Humphrey.

To date, 46 players have been selected in an NFL Supplemental Draft, with safety Jalen Thompson in 2019 the most recent selection. Of those 46 players only one, wide receiver Cris Carter, has made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Carter was suspended before his senior season for signing with an agent.

How does the order work in the Supplemental Draft?

The chaos around Kosar in 1985 forced the league to adjust how the order is determined for the Supplemental Draft.

Previously, the order for the NFL Draft was the same as the order for the Supplemental Draft, but in the wake of Kosar, the league implemented the quasi-random ordering process that is in place today. Teams are divided into three pools — non-playoff teams with six or fewer wins, non-playoff teams with seven or more wins, and then the playoff teams — and teams “bid” on players, indicating in which round they would select that player. If no other team places a bid on a player in an earlier spot, then the team that placed the bid is awarded the player, and forfeits an equivalent pick in the next NFL Draft.

So when the Arizona Cardinals drafted Jalen Thompson in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Supplemental Draft, they forfeited a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Why might Brendan Sorsby need the NFL Supplemental Draft?

All of this leads us to Brendan Sorsby.

Last year at Cincinnati, Sorsby completed nearly 62% of his passes for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, against just five interceptions. He also added another 580 rushing yards and nine touchdowns for the Bearcats. But he announced in December of last year that he was transferring, and became one of the most sought-after players in the portal. In fact, ESPN rated Sorsby as the top player in the transfer portal.

In January, after visiting Texas Tech and LSU, Sorsby announced he was joining the Red Raiders, with projections indicating he might surpass $5 million in NIL money.

Even in a crowded quarterback class for the 2027 NFL Draft, Sorsby was one of the favorites for a first-round pick next year. Consider this list from the various “way too early” mock drafts:

Then came word in late April that Sorsby was stepping away from Texas Tech to enter into a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction. A report from ESPN outlined that Sorsby made “thousands” of online bets across various sports via a gambling app, including games on Indiana football while Sorsby was a reserve quarterback for the Hoosiers. ESPN reported that Sorsby’s bets in 2022 were on Indiana to win games, and those bets did not include the one game where Sorsby saw the field for the Hoosiers.

See if you can tell, courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database, when this news emerged:

Sorsby has not been ruled ineligible for the 2026 college football season, and the NCAA said in a statement to USA Today that the governing body would not comment on an ongoing investigation. But if he is ruled ineligible by the NCAA in the coming weeks, then the NFL Supplemental Draft would be an option for him.

And as you can see from the above, there is still a belief that if Sorsby is allowed to play next year, he would be a first-round pick, based on the early mock drafts for next year.

However, the clock is ticking. Sorsby has until June 22 to apply for the 2026 Supplemental Draft, and then the league would review the circumstances regarding his application. As noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Sorsby has hired attorney Jeffrey Kessler to try and maintain his college eligibility and perhaps speed up the process and/or negotiate a settlement on a suspension.

Which brings us to the latest development.

The injunction request, and what happens next

This story took another turn on Monday.

As first reported by ESPN Sorsby, through his attorneys, has filed for an injunction against the NCAA in Lubbock, Texas. In the filing, according to ESPN, Sorsby alleges that he is “currently ineligible to play for Texas Tech due to prior violations of the NCAA’s sports gambling rules” and that he would be “irreparably harmed” if the injunction were not granted.

It is worth noting that the NCAA has not issued any public statement, nor has the governing body made any penalty public. This would seem to indicate that Sorsby has been notified privately of a potential penalty from the NCAA.

In the injunction filing, which SB Nation has reviewed, Sorsby alleges that he suffers from a “clinically diagnosed” gambling disorder, and further states that is a “mental health condition.” The filing also alleges that the NCAA has “weaponized his condition to shore up a facade of competitive integrity, while simultaneously profiting from the very gambling ecosystem it policies.”

Furthermore, the filing states that:

When Mr. Sorsby took accountability for his NCAA gambling rules violations (which undisputedly did not raise any integrity issues, i.e., his bets did not threaten the fairness, honesty, and/or transparency of athletic competitions, or otherwise influence the outcome or athlete performance in those competitions), entered residential treatment, and offered to accept reasonable discipline (but not a full loss of eligibility for the upcoming season at Texas Tech), the NCAA responded not with the compassion its constitution (“Constitution” or “NCAA Constitution”) demands, but with stonewalling, pretextual information demands, delay, and silence. This is not what Texas law or common decency requires.

The filing also notes that “[t]ime is of the essence.” Specifically, Sorsby is in the final year of eligiblity, a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that, once lost, can never be recovered.”

Sorsby, through his attorneys, notes that:

If the NCAA refuses to reinstate him and he is not awarded temporary relief, Mr. Sorsby’s only alternative is the NFL Supplemental Draft, which requires him to opt in—and forgo any effort to restore his remaining college eligibility—by June 22, 2026. The NCAA has manufactured an impossible bind: it delays its reinstatement decision while the NFL deadline closes in, forcing Mr. Sorsby to choose between surrendering college eligibility he wants to retain, while risking the loss of a full year of competitive football entirely. This is not equity. Mr. Sorsby has diligently pursued every alternative avenue for relief, but he is not obligated to continue doing so in light of the irreparable harm he now faces. Only this Court can hold the NCAA to its own rules—and provide Mr. Sorsby and Texas Tech the timely relief they are owed.

The request for an injunction also seeks a hearing no later than June 15, so that “the Court has the opportunity to render a decision on his request for a temporary injunction prior to June 22, when Mr. Sorsby must determine whether to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.”

#Brendan #Sorsbys #gambling #allegations #college #football #career #NFL #Supplemental #Draft">Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?

Brendan Sorsby was one of college football’s highest-paid players in the transfer portal, and he was considered a possible first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The 6’3 quarterback left Cincinnati for Texas Tech after a tremendous junior season for a reported sum of $5 million. Just when the Red Raiders were celebrating the addition of one of the country’s top QBs, Sorsby was caught up in gambling allegations that sent him to rehab and likely ends his college career.

It now looks like the best bet for Sorsby’s immediate future is to turn pro through the NFL Supplemental Draft, which is expected to be held in mid July.

What is the Supplemental Draft? How much interest would Sorsby really draw? Let’s dive into the history of the NFL’s other draft, with more context on what makes Sorsby such an enticing prospect.

What is the NFL Supplemental Draft?

What, exactly, is the NFL Supplemental Draft?

Begun in 1977, the NFL Supplemental Draft is held for players that lost their remaining college eligibility after the league’s deadline to enter the NFL’s standard player entry draft. For those wondering, Al Hunter was the first player taken in an NFL Supplemental Draft in 1977, after the Notre Dame running back was suspended from the school for disciplinary reasons.

Perhaps the most notable NFL Supplemental Drafts have been in 1985 and 1989. In March of 1985, Miami (FL) quarterback Bernie Kosar announced that he planned on skipping his final two years of college to enter the 1985 NFL Draft.

But at that time, NFL rules only allowed college seniors and graduates to enter the NFL Draft. To work around this, Kosar had arranged an accelerated academic plan, where he would take 18 credits in the spring of 1985 and an additional six more in the summer, to meet the eligibility requirements.

During his announcement Kosar, who grew up in Ohio as a Cleveland Browns fan, made it clear he wanted to play for his hometown team.

However, Kosar was considered an elite prospect, and teams started angling for position in the first round for a shot at Kosar. Most notably the Minnesota Vikings executed a trade with the Houston Oilers to pick up a top pick in the first round, hoping to land Kosar.

Cleveland, however, quietly executed a trade with the Buffalo Bills, acquiring Buffalo’s first pick in the 1985 Supplemental Draft in exchange for first-round picks in 1985 and 1986, as wells as a third round selection in 1985 and a sixth-round pick in 1986.

Kosar did not meet the deadline to enter the 1985 NFL Draft, which came in April.

That is when the rest of the league learned about Cleveland’s trade with the Bills. The Oilers threatened to sue to stop the 1985 NFL Draft from taking place, as Houston also wanted a chance to draft Kosar. Teams implored NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to reverse the trade between the Browns and the Bills. The quarterback’s agent warned that he would sue the league if Kosar was forced to enter the traditional draft.

Ultimately, Rozelle gave Kosar the choice between the two drafts, and the quarterback announced he was skipping the 1985 NFL Draft and entering the Supplemental Draft, where the Browns used their first selection to draft the quarterback.

The 1989 NFL Supplemental Draft was notable for having three players selected in the first round — quarterbacks Steve Walsh and Timm Rosenbach, and running back Bobby Humphrey.

To date, 46 players have been selected in an NFL Supplemental Draft, with safety Jalen Thompson in 2019 the most recent selection. Of those 46 players only one, wide receiver Cris Carter, has made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Carter was suspended before his senior season for signing with an agent.

How does the order work in the Supplemental Draft?

The chaos around Kosar in 1985 forced the league to adjust how the order is determined for the Supplemental Draft.

Previously, the order for the NFL Draft was the same as the order for the Supplemental Draft, but in the wake of Kosar, the league implemented the quasi-random ordering process that is in place today. Teams are divided into three pools — non-playoff teams with six or fewer wins, non-playoff teams with seven or more wins, and then the playoff teams — and teams “bid” on players, indicating in which round they would select that player. If no other team places a bid on a player in an earlier spot, then the team that placed the bid is awarded the player, and forfeits an equivalent pick in the next NFL Draft.

So when the Arizona Cardinals drafted Jalen Thompson in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Supplemental Draft, they forfeited a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Why might Brendan Sorsby need the NFL Supplemental Draft?

All of this leads us to Brendan Sorsby.

Last year at Cincinnati, Sorsby completed nearly 62% of his passes for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, against just five interceptions. He also added another 580 rushing yards and nine touchdowns for the Bearcats. But he announced in December of last year that he was transferring, and became one of the most sought-after players in the portal. In fact, ESPN rated Sorsby as the top player in the transfer portal.

In January, after visiting Texas Tech and LSU, Sorsby announced he was joining the Red Raiders, with projections indicating he might surpass $5 million in NIL money.

Even in a crowded quarterback class for the 2027 NFL Draft, Sorsby was one of the favorites for a first-round pick next year. Consider this list from the various “way too early” mock drafts:

Then came word in late April that Sorsby was stepping away from Texas Tech to enter into a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction. A report from ESPN outlined that Sorsby made “thousands” of online bets across various sports via a gambling app, including games on Indiana football while Sorsby was a reserve quarterback for the Hoosiers. ESPN reported that Sorsby’s bets in 2022 were on Indiana to win games, and those bets did not include the one game where Sorsby saw the field for the Hoosiers.

See if you can tell, courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database, when this news emerged:

Sorsby has not been ruled ineligible for the 2026 college football season, and the NCAA said in a statement to USA Today that the governing body would not comment on an ongoing investigation. But if he is ruled ineligible by the NCAA in the coming weeks, then the NFL Supplemental Draft would be an option for him.

And as you can see from the above, there is still a belief that if Sorsby is allowed to play next year, he would be a first-round pick, based on the early mock drafts for next year.

However, the clock is ticking. Sorsby has until June 22 to apply for the 2026 Supplemental Draft, and then the league would review the circumstances regarding his application. As noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Sorsby has hired attorney Jeffrey Kessler to try and maintain his college eligibility and perhaps speed up the process and/or negotiate a settlement on a suspension.

Which brings us to the latest development.

The injunction request, and what happens next

This story took another turn on Monday.

As first reported by ESPN Sorsby, through his attorneys, has filed for an injunction against the NCAA in Lubbock, Texas. In the filing, according to ESPN, Sorsby alleges that he is “currently ineligible to play for Texas Tech due to prior violations of the NCAA’s sports gambling rules” and that he would be “irreparably harmed” if the injunction were not granted.

It is worth noting that the NCAA has not issued any public statement, nor has the governing body made any penalty public. This would seem to indicate that Sorsby has been notified privately of a potential penalty from the NCAA.

In the injunction filing, which SB Nation has reviewed, Sorsby alleges that he suffers from a “clinically diagnosed” gambling disorder, and further states that is a “mental health condition.” The filing also alleges that the NCAA has “weaponized his condition to shore up a facade of competitive integrity, while simultaneously profiting from the very gambling ecosystem it policies.”

Furthermore, the filing states that:

When Mr. Sorsby took accountability for his NCAA gambling rules violations (which undisputedly did not raise any integrity issues, i.e., his bets did not threaten the fairness, honesty, and/or transparency of athletic competitions, or otherwise influence the outcome or athlete performance in those competitions), entered residential treatment, and offered to accept reasonable discipline (but not a full loss of eligibility for the upcoming season at Texas Tech), the NCAA responded not with the compassion its constitution (“Constitution” or “NCAA Constitution”) demands, but with stonewalling, pretextual information demands, delay, and silence. This is not what Texas law or common decency requires.

The filing also notes that “[t]ime is of the essence.” Specifically, Sorsby is in the final year of eligiblity, a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that, once lost, can never be recovered.”

Sorsby, through his attorneys, notes that:

If the NCAA refuses to reinstate him and he is not awarded temporary relief, Mr. Sorsby’s only alternative is the NFL Supplemental Draft, which requires him to opt in—and forgo any effort to restore his remaining college eligibility—by June 22, 2026. The NCAA has manufactured an impossible bind: it delays its reinstatement decision while the NFL deadline closes in, forcing Mr. Sorsby to choose between surrendering college eligibility he wants to retain, while risking the loss of a full year of competitive football entirely. This is not equity. Mr. Sorsby has diligently pursued every alternative avenue for relief, but he is not obligated to continue doing so in light of the irreparable harm he now faces. Only this Court can hold the NCAA to its own rules—and provide Mr. Sorsby and Texas Tech the timely relief they are owed.

The request for an injunction also seeks a hearing no later than June 15, so that “the Court has the opportunity to render a decision on his request for a temporary injunction prior to June 22, when Mr. Sorsby must determine whether to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft.”

#Brendan #Sorsbys #gambling #allegations #college #football #career #NFL #Supplemental #Draft

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In Week 6 the Chargers take on their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the focal point for this segment of the video is the “Donna Kelce Modest Home Reno Bundle,” there is OF COURSE a ChiefsAholic reference:

LeBron called the Ty Simpson pick

As we have written here at SB Nation, LeBron James is the GOAT when it comes to telling small, meaningless lies.

So in the segment covering the Chargers’ Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams, there is a comment from James, where he “called” the Ty Simpson pick:

Then of course there is the fact this entire segment is a nod to Puka Nacua getting caught live streaming from the locker room …

Each portion of the video has a title, much like a mission in Halo, and that includes the Chargers’ Week 10 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens.

Which is titled “Pass the Physical,” a nod to the voided trade between the Ravens and the Raiders for Maxx Crosby:

This portion of the video also includes a reference to the missed field goal that kept the Ravens out of the playoffs, and a message from the Chargers to “take care of Jesse for us <3,” highlighting new Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter, who was the defensive coordinator in Los Angeles.

“Record One Interception”

In a similar vein, the Chargers will take on the Jets in Week 11.

A team that did not record a single interception in 2025.

That is the mission referenced in this portion of the video:

“Conquer the Cupcakes”

This is the one everyone was waiting for.

In Week 12 the Chargers will take on the New England Patriots, and the setup for this portion of the video is a mission titled “Conquer the Cupcakes,” a reference to New England’s historically soft schedule last season:

As you might recall, that schedule did include a meeting with Los Angeles in the playoffs, and to their credit the Chargers engaged in some self-deprecation there. As the warthogs travel along what almost looks like Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, they reach the Wildcard Round.

There is also an image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex — likely a nod to Will Campbell’s small arms — and yes, a pair of nods to the ongoing story involving Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL insider Dianna Russini. First, there is a “[N]ext photo dump 1 mile” sign visible and then moments later, notification titled “NY Post sent you a message” pops up on the screen.

Emeka Egbuka’s X account

In March, Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka touched off a brief firestorm on social media when he seemed to question the existence of CTE in a post on X.

Moments later, the Buccaneers relayed on the social media website that the account that sent the message “is neither owned nor operated by Emeka Egbuka. It is in no way affiliated with Emeka or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

So, the Chargers made sure to note that in their video:

“Survive One Practice” and Chonkers

Whether you believe in the theory that the electric substation next to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice field is the reason so many players suffered injuries last year, or not, that theory made it into the Chargers’ schedule release video.

So too did Chonkers, the massive Sea Lion that recently dominated the headlines for setting up shop at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

At the very end of the video there is this screen, which includes “The Hard Truth” — where the clip of Cam Ward’s brutal “we ass” assessment plays:

But there is also a QR Code with the caption “Media Misfire.”

If you scan that QR Code, it takes you here:

Honestly, there are countless other references that could have been included here.

Either way, another incredible bit of work from everyone involved.

#moments #Chargers #brilliant #schedule #release #video"> The best moments from the Chargers’ brilliant 2026 schedule release video  The 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally here.And some have called this day the Super Bowl for the various social media departments within each organization.Every year the 32 teams put their creative juices to the test, with the Los Angeles Chargers often leading the way. This year is no exception, as the Chargers drew upon the legendary Halo video game franchise for inspiration.And threw more than a few punches at their opponents, and others, along the way.Here is the full video, followed by our favorite moments:Kirk Cousins’ friend requestIn Week 2 the Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders, and while Fernando Mendoza is the focal point for this early segment in the video, there is a quick cameo from Kirk Cousins.Or … KirkCuzzo … via a friend request:In Week 6 the Chargers take on their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.While the focal point for this segment of the video is the “Donna Kelce Modest Home Reno Bundle,” there is OF COURSE a ChiefsAholic reference:LeBron called the Ty Simpson pickAs we have written here at SB Nation, LeBron James is the GOAT when it comes to telling small, meaningless lies.So in the segment covering the Chargers’ Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams, there is a comment from James, where he “called” the Ty Simpson pick:Then of course there is the fact this entire segment is a nod to Puka Nacua getting caught live streaming from the locker room …Each portion of the video has a title, much like a mission in Halo, and that includes the Chargers’ Week 10 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens.Which is titled “Pass the Physical,” a nod to the voided trade between the Ravens and the Raiders for Maxx Crosby:This portion of the video also includes a reference to the missed field goal that kept the Ravens out of the playoffs, and a message from the Chargers to “take care of Jesse for us <3,” highlighting new Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter, who was the defensive coordinator in Los Angeles.“Record One Interception”In a similar vein, the Chargers will take on the Jets in Week 11.A team that did not record a single interception in 2025.That is the mission referenced in this portion of the video:“Conquer the Cupcakes”This is the one everyone was waiting for.In Week 12 the Chargers will take on the New England Patriots, and the setup for this portion of the video is a mission titled “Conquer the Cupcakes,” a reference to New England’s historically soft schedule last season:As you might recall, that schedule did include a meeting with Los Angeles in the playoffs, and to their credit the Chargers engaged in some self-deprecation there. As the warthogs travel along what almost looks like Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, they reach the Wildcard Round.There is also an image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex — likely a nod to Will Campbell’s small arms — and yes, a pair of nods to the ongoing story involving Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL insider Dianna Russini. First, there is a “[N]ext photo dump 1 mile” sign visible and then moments later, notification titled “NY Post sent you a message” pops up on the screen.Emeka Egbuka’s X accountIn March, Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka touched off a brief firestorm on social media when he seemed to question the existence of CTE in a post on X.Moments later, the Buccaneers relayed on the social media website that the account that sent the message “is neither owned nor operated by Emeka Egbuka. It is in no way affiliated with Emeka or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”So, the Chargers made sure to note that in their video:“Survive One Practice” and ChonkersWhether you believe in the theory that the electric substation next to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice field is the reason so many players suffered injuries last year, or not, that theory made it into the Chargers’ schedule release video.So too did Chonkers, the massive Sea Lion that recently dominated the headlines for setting up shop at Pier 39 in San Francisco.At the very end of the video there is this screen, which includes “The Hard Truth” — where the clip of Cam Ward’s brutal “we ass” assessment plays:But there is also a QR Code with the caption “Media Misfire.”If you scan that QR Code, it takes you here:Honestly, there are countless other references that could have been included here.Either way, another incredible bit of work from everyone involved.  #moments #Chargers #brilliant #schedule #release #video
Sports news

In Week 6 the Chargers take on their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the focal point for this segment of the video is the “Donna Kelce Modest Home Reno Bundle,” there is OF COURSE a ChiefsAholic reference:

LeBron called the Ty Simpson pick

As we have written here at SB Nation, LeBron James is the GOAT when it comes to telling small, meaningless lies.

So in the segment covering the Chargers’ Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams, there is a comment from James, where he “called” the Ty Simpson pick:

Then of course there is the fact this entire segment is a nod to Puka Nacua getting caught live streaming from the locker room …

Each portion of the video has a title, much like a mission in Halo, and that includes the Chargers’ Week 10 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens.

Which is titled “Pass the Physical,” a nod to the voided trade between the Ravens and the Raiders for Maxx Crosby:

This portion of the video also includes a reference to the missed field goal that kept the Ravens out of the playoffs, and a message from the Chargers to “take care of Jesse for us <3,” highlighting new Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter, who was the defensive coordinator in Los Angeles.

“Record One Interception”

In a similar vein, the Chargers will take on the Jets in Week 11.

A team that did not record a single interception in 2025.

That is the mission referenced in this portion of the video:

“Conquer the Cupcakes”

This is the one everyone was waiting for.

In Week 12 the Chargers will take on the New England Patriots, and the setup for this portion of the video is a mission titled “Conquer the Cupcakes,” a reference to New England’s historically soft schedule last season:

As you might recall, that schedule did include a meeting with Los Angeles in the playoffs, and to their credit the Chargers engaged in some self-deprecation there. As the warthogs travel along what almost looks like Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, they reach the Wildcard Round.

There is also an image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex — likely a nod to Will Campbell’s small arms — and yes, a pair of nods to the ongoing story involving Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL insider Dianna Russini. First, there is a “[N]ext photo dump 1 mile” sign visible and then moments later, notification titled “NY Post sent you a message” pops up on the screen.

Emeka Egbuka’s X account

In March, Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka touched off a brief firestorm on social media when he seemed to question the existence of CTE in a post on X.

Moments later, the Buccaneers relayed on the social media website that the account that sent the message “is neither owned nor operated by Emeka Egbuka. It is in no way affiliated with Emeka or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

So, the Chargers made sure to note that in their video:

“Survive One Practice” and Chonkers

Whether you believe in the theory that the electric substation next to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice field is the reason so many players suffered injuries last year, or not, that theory made it into the Chargers’ schedule release video.

So too did Chonkers, the massive Sea Lion that recently dominated the headlines for setting up shop at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

At the very end of the video there is this screen, which includes “The Hard Truth” — where the clip of Cam Ward’s brutal “we ass” assessment plays:

But there is also a QR Code with the caption “Media Misfire.”

If you scan that QR Code, it takes you here:

Honestly, there are countless other references that could have been included here.

Either way, another incredible bit of work from everyone involved.

#moments #Chargers #brilliant #schedule #release #video">The best moments from the Chargers’ brilliant 2026 schedule release video

The 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally here.

And some have called this day the Super Bowl for the various social media departments within each organization.

Every year the 32 teams put their creative juices to the test, with the Los Angeles Chargers often leading the way. This year is no exception, as the Chargers drew upon the legendary Halo video game franchise for inspiration.

And threw more than a few punches at their opponents, and others, along the way.

Here is the full video, followed by our favorite moments:

Kirk Cousins’ friend request

In Week 2 the Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders, and while Fernando Mendoza is the focal point for this early segment in the video, there is a quick cameo from Kirk Cousins.

Or … KirkCuzzo … via a friend request:

In Week 6 the Chargers take on their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the focal point for this segment of the video is the “Donna Kelce Modest Home Reno Bundle,” there is OF COURSE a ChiefsAholic reference:

LeBron called the Ty Simpson pick

As we have written here at SB Nation, LeBron James is the GOAT when it comes to telling small, meaningless lies.

So in the segment covering the Chargers’ Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams, there is a comment from James, where he “called” the Ty Simpson pick:

Then of course there is the fact this entire segment is a nod to Puka Nacua getting caught live streaming from the locker room …

Each portion of the video has a title, much like a mission in Halo, and that includes the Chargers’ Week 10 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens.

Which is titled “Pass the Physical,” a nod to the voided trade between the Ravens and the Raiders for Maxx Crosby:

This portion of the video also includes a reference to the missed field goal that kept the Ravens out of the playoffs, and a message from the Chargers to “take care of Jesse for us <3,” highlighting new Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter, who was the defensive coordinator in Los Angeles.

“Record One Interception”

In a similar vein, the Chargers will take on the Jets in Week 11.

A team that did not record a single interception in 2025.

That is the mission referenced in this portion of the video:

“Conquer the Cupcakes”

This is the one everyone was waiting for.

In Week 12 the Chargers will take on the New England Patriots, and the setup for this portion of the video is a mission titled “Conquer the Cupcakes,” a reference to New England’s historically soft schedule last season:

As you might recall, that schedule did include a meeting with Los Angeles in the playoffs, and to their credit the Chargers engaged in some self-deprecation there. As the warthogs travel along what almost looks like Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, they reach the Wildcard Round.

There is also an image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex — likely a nod to Will Campbell’s small arms — and yes, a pair of nods to the ongoing story involving Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL insider Dianna Russini. First, there is a “[N]ext photo dump 1 mile” sign visible and then moments later, notification titled “NY Post sent you a message” pops up on the screen.

Emeka Egbuka’s X account

In March, Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka touched off a brief firestorm on social media when he seemed to question the existence of CTE in a post on X.

Moments later, the Buccaneers relayed on the social media website that the account that sent the message “is neither owned nor operated by Emeka Egbuka. It is in no way affiliated with Emeka or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

So, the Chargers made sure to note that in their video:

“Survive One Practice” and Chonkers

Whether you believe in the theory that the electric substation next to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice field is the reason so many players suffered injuries last year, or not, that theory made it into the Chargers’ schedule release video.

So too did Chonkers, the massive Sea Lion that recently dominated the headlines for setting up shop at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

At the very end of the video there is this screen, which includes “The Hard Truth” — where the clip of Cam Ward’s brutal “we ass” assessment plays:

But there is also a QR Code with the caption “Media Misfire.”

If you scan that QR Code, it takes you here:

Honestly, there are countless other references that could have been included here.

Either way, another incredible bit of work from everyone involved.

#moments #Chargers #brilliant #schedule #release #video

The 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally here.And some have called this day the…

Startnine.win have a thought.

But beyond J.J. McCarthy versus Kyler Murray, the bigger question here is Jordan Love versus Brian Flores. How Love and the Green Bay offense handle what Flores throws at them will be worth watching.

Is it wrong that we are very excited about this game?

Yes, we are talking about two playoff teams from a year ago. But that’s not all. If the Bears are going to make the leap from “playoff team” to true contender, they need to win games like this on the road. If the Panthers are going to make the leap from “team that squeaked into the playoffs” to “true playoff contender,” they need to win games like this at home. Plus, it is the first meeting between Bryce Young and Caleb Williams, and we are excited to see what this Carolina defense looks like after what they have added this offseason.

Plus, you have two young offensive minds in Ben Johnson and Dave Canales.

Two AFC playoff teams from a year ago, each with aspirations of making a deep playoff run. And both teams have massive questions to answer. Was Joe Brady the right hire for Buffalo? Did the Bills put enough around Josh Allen? Have the Texans done enough along the offensive line? Can C.J. Stroud rebound from a tough end to 2025?

This will be a fun one, and a sneaky potential AFC Championship Game preview.

Two playoff teams from 2025. Two of the game’s brightest offensive minds squaring off. A big division rivalry to begin the year.

And the first NFL regular season game in Australia?

Yeah, this is the game of the week.

#NFL #Week #game #schedule #ranked #worst"> Every NFL Week 1 game on 2026 schedule, ranked from worst to best  The 2026 NFL regular season is finally here.Now we can talk about it.Sure, the next few hours will be dominated by breakdowns of all the schedule release videos put together by the various teams, but let’s look ahead to the first week of the season. What games should you watch, and what games are you not even putting on the quadbox?This will be a game of NFL football.Yes, there is the Robert Saleh revenge factor, but even that does not move the needle too much.This could be Kirk Cousins versus Malik Willis. Or it could be Fernando Mendoza versus Malik Willis. Either way, this is a game to keep tabs on using your phone.Tua Tagovailoa versus Aaron Rodgers?Michael Penix Jr. versus Drew Allar?Yeah, we’re just not sure this should be high on your list of priorities in Week 1.Who asked for this, besides perhaps Seattle fans?We … just saw this game. It did not go well. After crossing the 50-yard line on their opening possession, the Patriots did not see Seahawks’ territory until their first drive of the fourth quarter. The highlight of the night was, unless you are a Seahawks fan, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.Sure, having a non-conference game in this slot makes sense, for playoff tiebreakers and things like that. But, we just saw this game and we’re not sure anyone wants to see it again anytime soon. Particularly on opening night.12. Cardinals at ChargersIt will be fun to see Jeremiyah Love’s debut, but this could turn ugly quickly.NFC East games in primetime slots will continue until morale improves.Yes, this is John Harbaugh’s first game with the Giants, and yes since it is an island game we know you will be watching. But on a list like this, we do not feel compelled to bump this game up much higher.10. Buccaneers at BengalsThe Bengals have hopes of a return to the postseason, provided they can get a year of completely healthy. The Buccaneers are hoping to bounce back after a collapse in the second half of 2025.Still, we’re in something of “wait and see” mode when it comes to both teams. Given the rest of the early Sunday slate, there are some games on the schedule we are more excited about.We are putting this game right in the middle for one simple reason.We do not know who will be under center for each team.Both Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix are coming back from injuries suffered late in the season. If both starting quarterback are back for Week 1, then this game easily moves up this list. But if we are talking about a Justin Fields versus Jarrett Stidham matchup, then this game could just as easily slide down this list.So it stays in the middle for now. Check with us in August.We absolutely loved what the Browns did in the draft.We were not fans of what the Jaguars did.But that is why they play the games, right?Honestly, the reason this game is so high is this: Sonny Styles.The dynamic linebacker making his debut against Jalen Hurts and this offense? That is going to be a blast to watch.Add in the return of Jayden Daniels, and the fact that this game is in the late afternoon Sunday slate (against games such as Cardinals at Chargers and Dolphins at Raiders) and you have a game you’ll want to be watching.The Saints could be a sneaky good team this year, and we look at Detroit as one of the teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 yet should make a return to the postseason in 2026.Because of that, this is a game we’re going to be keeping an eye on.This game is an exciting, early-season test for both teams. Will Daniel Jones be back, allowing the Colts to return to what they showed during the first half of 2026? How will the Ravens fare in new head coach Jesse Minter’s debut? A Week 1 tonesetter for two teams with playoff aspirations.Who will be under center for Minnesota when this game kicks off?The folks at Startnine.win have a thought.But beyond J.J. McCarthy versus Kyler Murray, the bigger question here is Jordan Love versus Brian Flores. How Love and the Green Bay offense handle what Flores throws at them will be worth watching.Is it wrong that we are very excited about this game?Yes, we are talking about two playoff teams from a year ago. But that’s not all. If the Bears are going to make the leap from “playoff team” to true contender, they need to win games like this on the road. If the Panthers are going to make the leap from “team that squeaked into the playoffs” to “true playoff contender,” they need to win games like this at home. Plus, it is the first meeting between Bryce Young and Caleb Williams, and we are excited to see what this Carolina defense looks like after what they have added this offseason.Plus, you have two young offensive minds in Ben Johnson and Dave Canales.Two AFC playoff teams from a year ago, each with aspirations of making a deep playoff run. And both teams have massive questions to answer. Was Joe Brady the right hire for Buffalo? Did the Bills put enough around Josh Allen? Have the Texans done enough along the offensive line? Can C.J. Stroud rebound from a tough end to 2025?This will be a fun one, and a sneaky potential AFC Championship Game preview.Two playoff teams from 2025. Two of the game’s brightest offensive minds squaring off. A big division rivalry to begin the year.And the first NFL regular season game in Australia?Yeah, this is the game of the week.  #NFL #Week #game #schedule #ranked #worst
Sports news

Startnine.win have a thought.

But beyond J.J. McCarthy versus Kyler Murray, the bigger question here is Jordan Love versus Brian Flores. How Love and the Green Bay offense handle what Flores throws at them will be worth watching.

Is it wrong that we are very excited about this game?

Yes, we are talking about two playoff teams from a year ago. But that’s not all. If the Bears are going to make the leap from “playoff team” to true contender, they need to win games like this on the road. If the Panthers are going to make the leap from “team that squeaked into the playoffs” to “true playoff contender,” they need to win games like this at home. Plus, it is the first meeting between Bryce Young and Caleb Williams, and we are excited to see what this Carolina defense looks like after what they have added this offseason.

Plus, you have two young offensive minds in Ben Johnson and Dave Canales.

Two AFC playoff teams from a year ago, each with aspirations of making a deep playoff run. And both teams have massive questions to answer. Was Joe Brady the right hire for Buffalo? Did the Bills put enough around Josh Allen? Have the Texans done enough along the offensive line? Can C.J. Stroud rebound from a tough end to 2025?

This will be a fun one, and a sneaky potential AFC Championship Game preview.

Two playoff teams from 2025. Two of the game’s brightest offensive minds squaring off. A big division rivalry to begin the year.

And the first NFL regular season game in Australia?

Yeah, this is the game of the week.

#NFL #Week #game #schedule #ranked #worst">Every NFL Week 1 game on 2026 schedule, ranked from worst to best

The 2026 NFL regular season is finally here.

Now we can talk about it.

Sure, the next few hours will be dominated by breakdowns of all the schedule release videos put together by the various teams, but let’s look ahead to the first week of the season. What games should you watch, and what games are you not even putting on the quadbox?

This will be a game of NFL football.

Yes, there is the Robert Saleh revenge factor, but even that does not move the needle too much.

This could be Kirk Cousins versus Malik Willis. Or it could be Fernando Mendoza versus Malik Willis. Either way, this is a game to keep tabs on using your phone.

Tua Tagovailoa versus Aaron Rodgers?

Michael Penix Jr. versus Drew Allar?

Yeah, we’re just not sure this should be high on your list of priorities in Week 1.

Who asked for this, besides perhaps Seattle fans?

We … just saw this game. It did not go well. After crossing the 50-yard line on their opening possession, the Patriots did not see Seahawks’ territory until their first drive of the fourth quarter. The highlight of the night was, unless you are a Seahawks fan, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.

Sure, having a non-conference game in this slot makes sense, for playoff tiebreakers and things like that. But, we just saw this game and we’re not sure anyone wants to see it again anytime soon. Particularly on opening night.

12. Cardinals at Chargers

It will be fun to see Jeremiyah Love’s debut, but this could turn ugly quickly.

NFC East games in primetime slots will continue until morale improves.

Yes, this is John Harbaugh’s first game with the Giants, and yes since it is an island game we know you will be watching. But on a list like this, we do not feel compelled to bump this game up much higher.

10. Buccaneers at Bengals

The Bengals have hopes of a return to the postseason, provided they can get a year of completely healthy. The Buccaneers are hoping to bounce back after a collapse in the second half of 2025.

Still, we’re in something of “wait and see” mode when it comes to both teams. Given the rest of the early Sunday slate, there are some games on the schedule we are more excited about.

We are putting this game right in the middle for one simple reason.

We do not know who will be under center for each team.

Both Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix are coming back from injuries suffered late in the season. If both starting quarterback are back for Week 1, then this game easily moves up this list. But if we are talking about a Justin Fields versus Jarrett Stidham matchup, then this game could just as easily slide down this list.

So it stays in the middle for now. Check with us in August.

We absolutely loved what the Browns did in the draft.

We were not fans of what the Jaguars did.

But that is why they play the games, right?

Honestly, the reason this game is so high is this: Sonny Styles.

The dynamic linebacker making his debut against Jalen Hurts and this offense? That is going to be a blast to watch.

Add in the return of Jayden Daniels, and the fact that this game is in the late afternoon Sunday slate (against games such as Cardinals at Chargers and Dolphins at Raiders) and you have a game you’ll want to be watching.

The Saints could be a sneaky good team this year, and we look at Detroit as one of the teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 yet should make a return to the postseason in 2026.

Because of that, this is a game we’re going to be keeping an eye on.

This game is an exciting, early-season test for both teams. Will Daniel Jones be back, allowing the Colts to return to what they showed during the first half of 2026? How will the Ravens fare in new head coach Jesse Minter’s debut? A Week 1 tonesetter for two teams with playoff aspirations.

Who will be under center for Minnesota when this game kicks off?

The folks at Startnine.win have a thought.

But beyond J.J. McCarthy versus Kyler Murray, the bigger question here is Jordan Love versus Brian Flores. How Love and the Green Bay offense handle what Flores throws at them will be worth watching.

Is it wrong that we are very excited about this game?

Yes, we are talking about two playoff teams from a year ago. But that’s not all. If the Bears are going to make the leap from “playoff team” to true contender, they need to win games like this on the road. If the Panthers are going to make the leap from “team that squeaked into the playoffs” to “true playoff contender,” they need to win games like this at home. Plus, it is the first meeting between Bryce Young and Caleb Williams, and we are excited to see what this Carolina defense looks like after what they have added this offseason.

Plus, you have two young offensive minds in Ben Johnson and Dave Canales.

Two AFC playoff teams from a year ago, each with aspirations of making a deep playoff run. And both teams have massive questions to answer. Was Joe Brady the right hire for Buffalo? Did the Bills put enough around Josh Allen? Have the Texans done enough along the offensive line? Can C.J. Stroud rebound from a tough end to 2025?

This will be a fun one, and a sneaky potential AFC Championship Game preview.

Two playoff teams from 2025. Two of the game’s brightest offensive minds squaring off. A big division rivalry to begin the year.

And the first NFL regular season game in Australia?

Yeah, this is the game of the week.

#NFL #Week #game #schedule #ranked #worst

The 2026 NFL regular season is finally here.Now we can talk about it.Sure, the next…

According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday"> NFL schedule release 2026: Thanksgiving showcase leaks, and Black Friday is next  For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve gameAccording to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:NFL Black Friday games in 2026Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.  #NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday
Sports news

According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday">NFL schedule release 2026: Thanksgiving showcase leaks, and Black Friday is next

For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.

That annual tradition is going to look a little different this year.

When the NFL expanded the Thanksgiving slate to three games in 2006, adding a primetime game, many fans believed that would end the league’s expansion on the holiday. Then the league added games on Black Friday, arguably the biggest shopping day of the year. And still, the expansion is not done.

Because this year, the NFL has something new in store for us all.

A game on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the biggest “bar nights” of the calendar year.

As the league gets set to roll out the 2026 regular season schedule, we’ll be tracking all the games, including the new-look Thanksgiving slate.

NFL’s Thanksgiving Eve game

According to multiple reports, the NFL is set to unveil a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. This, as many readers will attest, is perhaps the biggest “bar night” of the entire calendar year, as folks gather at the local watering hole in their hometown before spending the holiday with family.

As reported by Puck, the Thanksgiving Eve game will be part of the package of NFL games aired by Netflix this season.

Update: The NFL and Netflix confirmed on Wednesday that the streaming service will air a game on Thanksgiving Eve between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams:

NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games in 2026

Keeping with traditions old and new, the NFL will set three games on Thanksgiving Day itself, an afternoon doubleheader and then a primetime game on that Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys will be the home teams for the first two games, in a tradition that dates back to both 1934 (when the Lions hosted their first Thanksgiving Day game) and 1966 (when the Cowboys joined the holiday slate).

Then the league will slot in a third game that night, and while the first two games always feature the Lions and the Cowboys, the NFL has rotated teams through the primetime game.

Another new tradition is the branding of the Thanksgiving Day games. Starting in 2001 the league branded the games as the Thanksgiving Classic, but in 2022 that was changed to honor legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden, as the NFL began referring to the games as part of the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.

The first Thanksgiving Day game confirmed by the league is the one hosted by Dallas. The Cowboys will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium that Thursday afternoon:

NFL Black Friday games in 2026

Starting in 2023, the league began scheduling a Black Friday game as part of the NFL’s contract with Amazon Prime Video.

The first Black Friday Game featured the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, while the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders squared off in 2024. Last season saw the Chicago Bears beat the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

This year, the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.

#NFL #schedule #release #Thanksgiving #showcase #leaks #Black #Friday

For decades, Thanksgiving and football have gone together hand in hand.That annual tradition is going…

The league is slowly unveiling select games in the coming days, including the nine international games set for the next season.

We already know the first of those games, but we will be tracking those all week long as the NFL sets the stage for the 2026 campaign.

What are the nine international games in 2026?

As noted above, the NFL has nine slots for international games in 2026.

And the league is not wasting any time in travelling abroad.

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

The first international game on the 2026 schedule will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, and is the reason the Seahawks will begin their season on a Wednesday. The game between the Rams and the 49ers will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, and be the first NFL regular season game played on that continent.

Due to the time difference, that game will kickoff at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, meaning it will start at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, September 10.

Here is what we know about the rest of the games.

Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens

The NFL returns to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in late September, when the Baltimore Ravens square off with the Dallas Cowboys on September 27 at the Maracanã Stadium.

Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons

The NFL is heading back to Spain this year, after last year saw the league visit the country for the first time for a regular-season game. On Tuesday the league confirmed that the Bengals will face the Falcons in Week 9:

The other international games this season include:

We’ll update this story as it develops.

#NFL #schedule #release #international #games #beginning #leak"> NFL schedule release 2026: 9 international games are already beginning to leak  Welcome to NFL schedule release week.On Thursday, the NFL will release the entire regular-season schedule for the 2026 campaign. The league is slowly unveiling select games in the coming days, including the nine international games set for the next season.We already know the first of those games, but we will be tracking those all week long as the NFL sets the stage for the 2026 campaign.What are the nine international games in 2026?As noted above, the NFL has nine slots for international games in 2026.And the league is not wasting any time in travelling abroad.Week 1: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles RamsThe first international game on the 2026 schedule will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, and is the reason the Seahawks will begin their season on a Wednesday. The game between the Rams and the 49ers will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, and be the first NFL regular season game played on that continent.Due to the time difference, that game will kickoff at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, meaning it will start at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, September 10.Here is what we know about the rest of the games.Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore RavensThe NFL returns to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in late September, when the Baltimore Ravens square off with the Dallas Cowboys on September 27 at the Maracanã Stadium.Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta FalconsThe NFL is heading back to Spain this year, after last year saw the league visit the country for the first time for a regular-season game. On Tuesday the league confirmed that the Bengals will face the Falcons in Week 9:The other international games this season include:We’ll update this story as it develops.   #NFL #schedule #release #international #games #beginning #leak
Sports news

The league is slowly unveiling select games in the coming days, including the nine international games set for the next season.

We already know the first of those games, but we will be tracking those all week long as the NFL sets the stage for the 2026 campaign.

What are the nine international games in 2026?

As noted above, the NFL has nine slots for international games in 2026.

And the league is not wasting any time in travelling abroad.

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

The first international game on the 2026 schedule will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, and is the reason the Seahawks will begin their season on a Wednesday. The game between the Rams and the 49ers will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, and be the first NFL regular season game played on that continent.

Due to the time difference, that game will kickoff at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, meaning it will start at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, September 10.

Here is what we know about the rest of the games.

Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens

The NFL returns to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in late September, when the Baltimore Ravens square off with the Dallas Cowboys on September 27 at the Maracanã Stadium.

Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons

The NFL is heading back to Spain this year, after last year saw the league visit the country for the first time for a regular-season game. On Tuesday the league confirmed that the Bengals will face the Falcons in Week 9:

The other international games this season include:

We’ll update this story as it develops.

#NFL #schedule #release #international #games #beginning #leak">NFL schedule release 2026: 9 international games are already beginning to leak

Welcome to NFL schedule release week.

On Thursday, the NFL will release the entire regular-season schedule for the 2026 campaign. The league is slowly unveiling select games in the coming days, including the nine international games set for the next season.

We already know the first of those games, but we will be tracking those all week long as the NFL sets the stage for the 2026 campaign.

What are the nine international games in 2026?

As noted above, the NFL has nine slots for international games in 2026.

And the league is not wasting any time in travelling abroad.

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

The first international game on the 2026 schedule will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, and is the reason the Seahawks will begin their season on a Wednesday. The game between the Rams and the 49ers will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, and be the first NFL regular season game played on that continent.

Due to the time difference, that game will kickoff at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, meaning it will start at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, September 10.

Here is what we know about the rest of the games.

Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens

The NFL returns to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in late September, when the Baltimore Ravens square off with the Dallas Cowboys on September 27 at the Maracanã Stadium.

Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons

The NFL is heading back to Spain this year, after last year saw the league visit the country for the first time for a regular-season game. On Tuesday the league confirmed that the Bengals will face the Falcons in Week 9:

The other international games this season include:

We’ll update this story as it develops.

#NFL #schedule #release #international #games #beginning #leak

Welcome to NFL schedule release week.On Thursday, the NFL will release the entire regular-season schedule…

why the Eagles trading Brown prior to June 1 was never going to happen. If Philadelphia dealt Brown before June 1 his cap figure would have gone from $23.4M to $44.M — hitting the cap for an additional $20M this season. By waiting until June 1 his figure drops to a manageable $16.4M this year and $16.2M next year, representing an immediate $7M in savings.

It goes without saying that Brown is likely to be traded after June 1, but there are handful of other big names to watch when it comes to cuts or trades that will likely occur as soon as the month ticks over.

A.J. Brown, WR — Philadelphia Eagles

The worst-kept secret in the NFL, yes the Eagles are going to trade Brown after June 1 and every sign points to him heading to the New England Patriots. It’s an unceremonious end to a union that brought Philly a win in Super Bowl LIX, and more a case of two sides that found success, but outgrew each other.

Brown wants more opportunities in the passing game. The Eagles want selflessness from their offensive players. It’s an oil/water mix, and with Philly drafting Makai Lemon it really put the clear coat over the writing that was on the wall.

Trade/Cut: Trade. There is still so much value in Brown as a do-everything receiver in his prime that will cement himself as the No. 1 on whatever team makes the deal for him.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR — San Francisco 49ers

Unquestionably one of the most dramatic falls in recent years, Brandon Aiyuk went from being a 1,342 yard receiver in 2023, widely regarded as one of the best prime offensive players in the NFL — and now he’s so far in the basement that it would be stunning if anyone called the Niners for a trade.

Injury, attitude, it’s been a perfect storm of bad breaks for Aiyuk. Some factors were out of his control, some were entirely in his hands, but the result is the same. The 49ers don’t need any cap help, but it’s time to cut bait and move on, because the roster right now is worse keeping Aiyuk and allowing him to be a distraction, rather than just accepting the sunk cost.

Trade/Cut: Cut. The four-year, $120M extension signed in 2024 has aged like milk, with no team being willing to take on that kind of money for a receiver that hasn’t proved anything in two years. Aiyuk’s best shot is to sign a one-year “prove it” deal, and hope to make his mark before hitting free agency again.

Cole Kmet, TE — Chicago Bears

Tight end is in a weird spot in the NFL right now, where it’s both become a devalued position and the missing piece to the puzzle. Look no further than the 2026 NFL Draft that saw an alarming number of tight ends go earlier than expected out of team desperation for upgrades at the position.

Enter the Bears, who have an overabundance at the position. At this point it’s safe to assume that Ben Johnson doesn’t see Kmet fitting in his offense longterm after taking Colston Loveland with his top pick in 2025 as a pass-catching TE, and then making a shocker in 2026 by taking Sam Roush in the third round. That’s left Kmet on the outside looking in.

Kmet is a jack-of-all-trades TE who is a decent catcher and blocker, but the Johnson offense asks for more speciality at every position. That could make the Bears TE an interesting candidate at the June 1 deadline to free up cap space for the Bears, more importantly a roster spot, while getting something for a player who would otherwise run out his contract.

Trade/Cut: Trade. Kmet is prime to be a guy the Bears deal away for a day three selection in 2027, giving them a little cap flexibility in the process. Keep an eye on a team like the Chiefs, Falcons, or Panthers to be potential biters — all of whom were expected to add to their TE rooms in the draft, but didn’t.

Anthony Richardson, QB — Indianapolis Colts

We didn’t see a Richardson trade around the NFL Draft, and the team started offseason workouts with the QB in the building — but it feels incredibly likely that the Colts make a deal. Indianapolis declined the fifth-year option on Richardson, effectively accepting that he was a bust in their eyes, but we know beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Despite being drafted back in 2023, Richardson is still only 23-years-old — younger than Ty Simpson, who was drafted this year. The athletic upside is there, the arm strength is there, it’s just all the connective tissue where he’s failed. If you’re a team desperate for a quarterback to add to the room, or a contender wanting to pull off the patented “rebuild and let him walk for the compensatory,” then Richardson is a guy you could look at.

Trade/Cut: Trade. Either the Colts deal Richardson to get some draft capital, or they hold onto him for the year. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to cut him at this point instead of letting his contract run out. That said, someone out there is going to look at Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones (the list goes on) and think “we can be the ones to unlock him.”

#NFL #players #move #June"> 4 NFL players who could be on the move after June 1  There’s going to be a lot of talk about June 1st over the next few weeks, with it being the next biggest date on the NFL calendar. This is date to circle when it comes to teams being able to fix their salary cap, as it allows for players to be cut or traded with their dead money being spread between the 2026 and 2027 seasons, rather than eating the full cost up front.This is what we’ve all been waiting on when it comes to A.J. Brown, and why the Eagles trading Brown prior to June 1 was never going to happen. If Philadelphia dealt Brown before June 1 his cap figure would have gone from .4M to .M — hitting the cap for an additional M this season. By waiting until June 1 his figure drops to a manageable .4M this year and .2M next year, representing an immediate M in savings.It goes without saying that Brown is likely to be traded after June 1, but there are handful of other big names to watch when it comes to cuts or trades that will likely occur as soon as the month ticks over.A.J. Brown, WR — Philadelphia EaglesThe worst-kept secret in the NFL, yes the Eagles are going to trade Brown after June 1 and every sign points to him heading to the New England Patriots. It’s an unceremonious end to a union that brought Philly a win in Super Bowl LIX, and more a case of two sides that found success, but outgrew each other.Brown wants more opportunities in the passing game. The Eagles want selflessness from their offensive players. It’s an oil/water mix, and with Philly drafting Makai Lemon it really put the clear coat over the writing that was on the wall.Trade/Cut: Trade. There is still so much value in Brown as a do-everything receiver in his prime that will cement himself as the No. 1 on whatever team makes the deal for him.Brandon Aiyuk, WR — San Francisco 49ersUnquestionably one of the most dramatic falls in recent years, Brandon Aiyuk went from being a 1,342 yard receiver in 2023, widely regarded as one of the best prime offensive players in the NFL — and now he’s so far in the basement that it would be stunning if anyone called the Niners for a trade.Injury, attitude, it’s been a perfect storm of bad breaks for Aiyuk. Some factors were out of his control, some were entirely in his hands, but the result is the same. The 49ers don’t need any cap help, but it’s time to cut bait and move on, because the roster right now is worse keeping Aiyuk and allowing him to be a distraction, rather than just accepting the sunk cost.Trade/Cut: Cut. The four-year, 0M extension signed in 2024 has aged like milk, with no team being willing to take on that kind of money for a receiver that hasn’t proved anything in two years. Aiyuk’s best shot is to sign a one-year “prove it” deal, and hope to make his mark before hitting free agency again.Cole Kmet, TE — Chicago BearsTight end is in a weird spot in the NFL right now, where it’s both become a devalued position and the missing piece to the puzzle. Look no further than the 2026 NFL Draft that saw an alarming number of tight ends go earlier than expected out of team desperation for upgrades at the position.Enter the Bears, who have an overabundance at the position. At this point it’s safe to assume that Ben Johnson doesn’t see Kmet fitting in his offense longterm after taking Colston Loveland with his top pick in 2025 as a pass-catching TE, and then making a shocker in 2026 by taking Sam Roush in the third round. That’s left Kmet on the outside looking in.Kmet is a jack-of-all-trades TE who is a decent catcher and blocker, but the Johnson offense asks for more speciality at every position. That could make the Bears TE an interesting candidate at the June 1 deadline to free up cap space for the Bears, more importantly a roster spot, while getting something for a player who would otherwise run out his contract.Trade/Cut: Trade. Kmet is prime to be a guy the Bears deal away for a day three selection in 2027, giving them a little cap flexibility in the process. Keep an eye on a team like the Chiefs, Falcons, or Panthers to be potential biters — all of whom were expected to add to their TE rooms in the draft, but didn’t.Anthony Richardson, QB — Indianapolis ColtsWe didn’t see a Richardson trade around the NFL Draft, and the team started offseason workouts with the QB in the building — but it feels incredibly likely that the Colts make a deal. Indianapolis declined the fifth-year option on Richardson, effectively accepting that he was a bust in their eyes, but we know beauty is in the eye of the beholder.Despite being drafted back in 2023, Richardson is still only 23-years-old — younger than Ty Simpson, who was drafted this year. The athletic upside is there, the arm strength is there, it’s just all the connective tissue where he’s failed. If you’re a team desperate for a quarterback to add to the room, or a contender wanting to pull off the patented “rebuild and let him walk for the compensatory,” then Richardson is a guy you could look at.Trade/Cut: Trade. Either the Colts deal Richardson to get some draft capital, or they hold onto him for the year. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to cut him at this point instead of letting his contract run out. That said, someone out there is going to look at Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones (the list goes on) and think “we can be the ones to unlock him.”  #NFL #players #move #June
Sports news

why the Eagles trading Brown prior to June 1 was never going to happen. If Philadelphia dealt Brown before June 1 his cap figure would have gone from $23.4M to $44.M — hitting the cap for an additional $20M this season. By waiting until June 1 his figure drops to a manageable $16.4M this year and $16.2M next year, representing an immediate $7M in savings.

It goes without saying that Brown is likely to be traded after June 1, but there are handful of other big names to watch when it comes to cuts or trades that will likely occur as soon as the month ticks over.

A.J. Brown, WR — Philadelphia Eagles

The worst-kept secret in the NFL, yes the Eagles are going to trade Brown after June 1 and every sign points to him heading to the New England Patriots. It’s an unceremonious end to a union that brought Philly a win in Super Bowl LIX, and more a case of two sides that found success, but outgrew each other.

Brown wants more opportunities in the passing game. The Eagles want selflessness from their offensive players. It’s an oil/water mix, and with Philly drafting Makai Lemon it really put the clear coat over the writing that was on the wall.

Trade/Cut: Trade. There is still so much value in Brown as a do-everything receiver in his prime that will cement himself as the No. 1 on whatever team makes the deal for him.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR — San Francisco 49ers

Unquestionably one of the most dramatic falls in recent years, Brandon Aiyuk went from being a 1,342 yard receiver in 2023, widely regarded as one of the best prime offensive players in the NFL — and now he’s so far in the basement that it would be stunning if anyone called the Niners for a trade.

Injury, attitude, it’s been a perfect storm of bad breaks for Aiyuk. Some factors were out of his control, some were entirely in his hands, but the result is the same. The 49ers don’t need any cap help, but it’s time to cut bait and move on, because the roster right now is worse keeping Aiyuk and allowing him to be a distraction, rather than just accepting the sunk cost.

Trade/Cut: Cut. The four-year, $120M extension signed in 2024 has aged like milk, with no team being willing to take on that kind of money for a receiver that hasn’t proved anything in two years. Aiyuk’s best shot is to sign a one-year “prove it” deal, and hope to make his mark before hitting free agency again.

Cole Kmet, TE — Chicago Bears

Tight end is in a weird spot in the NFL right now, where it’s both become a devalued position and the missing piece to the puzzle. Look no further than the 2026 NFL Draft that saw an alarming number of tight ends go earlier than expected out of team desperation for upgrades at the position.

Enter the Bears, who have an overabundance at the position. At this point it’s safe to assume that Ben Johnson doesn’t see Kmet fitting in his offense longterm after taking Colston Loveland with his top pick in 2025 as a pass-catching TE, and then making a shocker in 2026 by taking Sam Roush in the third round. That’s left Kmet on the outside looking in.

Kmet is a jack-of-all-trades TE who is a decent catcher and blocker, but the Johnson offense asks for more speciality at every position. That could make the Bears TE an interesting candidate at the June 1 deadline to free up cap space for the Bears, more importantly a roster spot, while getting something for a player who would otherwise run out his contract.

Trade/Cut: Trade. Kmet is prime to be a guy the Bears deal away for a day three selection in 2027, giving them a little cap flexibility in the process. Keep an eye on a team like the Chiefs, Falcons, or Panthers to be potential biters — all of whom were expected to add to their TE rooms in the draft, but didn’t.

Anthony Richardson, QB — Indianapolis Colts

We didn’t see a Richardson trade around the NFL Draft, and the team started offseason workouts with the QB in the building — but it feels incredibly likely that the Colts make a deal. Indianapolis declined the fifth-year option on Richardson, effectively accepting that he was a bust in their eyes, but we know beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Despite being drafted back in 2023, Richardson is still only 23-years-old — younger than Ty Simpson, who was drafted this year. The athletic upside is there, the arm strength is there, it’s just all the connective tissue where he’s failed. If you’re a team desperate for a quarterback to add to the room, or a contender wanting to pull off the patented “rebuild and let him walk for the compensatory,” then Richardson is a guy you could look at.

Trade/Cut: Trade. Either the Colts deal Richardson to get some draft capital, or they hold onto him for the year. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to cut him at this point instead of letting his contract run out. That said, someone out there is going to look at Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones (the list goes on) and think “we can be the ones to unlock him.”

#NFL #players #move #June">4 NFL players who could be on the move after June 1

There’s going to be a lot of talk about June 1st over the next few weeks, with it being the next biggest date on the NFL calendar. This is date to circle when it comes to teams being able to fix their salary cap, as it allows for players to be cut or traded with their dead money being spread between the 2026 and 2027 seasons, rather than eating the full cost up front.

This is what we’ve all been waiting on when it comes to A.J. Brown, and why the Eagles trading Brown prior to June 1 was never going to happen. If Philadelphia dealt Brown before June 1 his cap figure would have gone from $23.4M to $44.M — hitting the cap for an additional $20M this season. By waiting until June 1 his figure drops to a manageable $16.4M this year and $16.2M next year, representing an immediate $7M in savings.

It goes without saying that Brown is likely to be traded after June 1, but there are handful of other big names to watch when it comes to cuts or trades that will likely occur as soon as the month ticks over.

A.J. Brown, WR — Philadelphia Eagles

The worst-kept secret in the NFL, yes the Eagles are going to trade Brown after June 1 and every sign points to him heading to the New England Patriots. It’s an unceremonious end to a union that brought Philly a win in Super Bowl LIX, and more a case of two sides that found success, but outgrew each other.

Brown wants more opportunities in the passing game. The Eagles want selflessness from their offensive players. It’s an oil/water mix, and with Philly drafting Makai Lemon it really put the clear coat over the writing that was on the wall.

Trade/Cut: Trade. There is still so much value in Brown as a do-everything receiver in his prime that will cement himself as the No. 1 on whatever team makes the deal for him.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR — San Francisco 49ers

Unquestionably one of the most dramatic falls in recent years, Brandon Aiyuk went from being a 1,342 yard receiver in 2023, widely regarded as one of the best prime offensive players in the NFL — and now he’s so far in the basement that it would be stunning if anyone called the Niners for a trade.

Injury, attitude, it’s been a perfect storm of bad breaks for Aiyuk. Some factors were out of his control, some were entirely in his hands, but the result is the same. The 49ers don’t need any cap help, but it’s time to cut bait and move on, because the roster right now is worse keeping Aiyuk and allowing him to be a distraction, rather than just accepting the sunk cost.

Trade/Cut: Cut. The four-year, $120M extension signed in 2024 has aged like milk, with no team being willing to take on that kind of money for a receiver that hasn’t proved anything in two years. Aiyuk’s best shot is to sign a one-year “prove it” deal, and hope to make his mark before hitting free agency again.

Cole Kmet, TE — Chicago Bears

Tight end is in a weird spot in the NFL right now, where it’s both become a devalued position and the missing piece to the puzzle. Look no further than the 2026 NFL Draft that saw an alarming number of tight ends go earlier than expected out of team desperation for upgrades at the position.

Enter the Bears, who have an overabundance at the position. At this point it’s safe to assume that Ben Johnson doesn’t see Kmet fitting in his offense longterm after taking Colston Loveland with his top pick in 2025 as a pass-catching TE, and then making a shocker in 2026 by taking Sam Roush in the third round. That’s left Kmet on the outside looking in.

Kmet is a jack-of-all-trades TE who is a decent catcher and blocker, but the Johnson offense asks for more speciality at every position. That could make the Bears TE an interesting candidate at the June 1 deadline to free up cap space for the Bears, more importantly a roster spot, while getting something for a player who would otherwise run out his contract.

Trade/Cut: Trade. Kmet is prime to be a guy the Bears deal away for a day three selection in 2027, giving them a little cap flexibility in the process. Keep an eye on a team like the Chiefs, Falcons, or Panthers to be potential biters — all of whom were expected to add to their TE rooms in the draft, but didn’t.

Anthony Richardson, QB — Indianapolis Colts

We didn’t see a Richardson trade around the NFL Draft, and the team started offseason workouts with the QB in the building — but it feels incredibly likely that the Colts make a deal. Indianapolis declined the fifth-year option on Richardson, effectively accepting that he was a bust in their eyes, but we know beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Despite being drafted back in 2023, Richardson is still only 23-years-old — younger than Ty Simpson, who was drafted this year. The athletic upside is there, the arm strength is there, it’s just all the connective tissue where he’s failed. If you’re a team desperate for a quarterback to add to the room, or a contender wanting to pull off the patented “rebuild and let him walk for the compensatory,” then Richardson is a guy you could look at.

Trade/Cut: Trade. Either the Colts deal Richardson to get some draft capital, or they hold onto him for the year. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to cut him at this point instead of letting his contract run out. That said, someone out there is going to look at Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones (the list goes on) and think “we can be the ones to unlock him.”

#NFL #players #move #June

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