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Embattled quarterback Brendan Sorsby is on the Cleveland Browns radar and has the backing of one of his former teammates.

Rookie tight end Joe Royer shared his firsthand perspective on embattled quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who has gained momentum as a potential target for the Cleveland Browns.

Royer, a fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati, played alongside Sorsby with the Bearcats before Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech. Royer did not mince words when asked about his former quarterback.

“I firmly believe he’s a first-round talent. He’s a hell of a player. I know what’s going on with him but hopefully he can get it figured out. … The film shows the type of player he is,” Royer said. “He’s got a big arm, can make any throw on the field. He’s big, quick and smart. He processes the game fast. He’s got all the tools that make up a first-round quarterback.”

Sorsby transferred to Texas Tech on a significant NIL deal but faces an uncertain future in college football. He allegedly placed more than 10,000 bets since 2022, including wagers on Indiana football games while he was with the program. It’s the most serious allegation under NCAA rules, which could carry a permanent loss of eligibility.

Brendan Sorsby Prime Candidate for Supplemental Draft

If the NCAA rules Sorsby ineligible by the June 30 deadline, the supplemental draft becomes his most direct path to the NFL.

In the supplemental draft process, teams bid a future draft pick — forfeiting that pick in the following year’s class — for the right to select a player. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, appearing on the Rich Eisen Show, identified the Browns, Jets, Cardinals and Dolphins as teams that could pursue Sorsby.

ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi reported that Cleveland is among the teams putting in work on Sorsby. The Ringer’s Todd McShay went further, making the case for the Browns to invest a first-round pick if the situation aligns.

“If I’m the Browns and we have the quarterback coach, and we have the contract the right way, we have the psychologists putting a stamp on it. If we can get aligned, I think this guy’s worth it. I’m doing it with a first-round pick. And I’m doing that because I think he’s got a chance to be special.” McShay said on his podcast.

At Cincinnati, Sorsby threw 45 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions with 5,613 passing yards over two seasons. He added 1,027 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, he’s a legitimate dual-threat prospect.

Browns Have Unresolved Quarterback Situation

The Browns enter next season with one of the NFL’s most unsettled quarterback situations, which explains why Brendan Sorsby is at least on Cleveland’s radar. The current competition centers on Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, but the long-term picture remains unclear.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Watson emerged from the Browns’ first voluntary veteran minicamp with the early edge. Watson is entering the final year of his contract and has little margin for error after an underwhelming tenure in Cleveland. Since arriving in 2022, he has appeared in just 19 games and posted a 9-10 record as the starter.

Sanders, meanwhile, finished his rookie season as the starter, throwing for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Dillon Gabriel and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green are also in the room, though neither is expected to factor into the starting conversation.