After wait, Nussmeier sees Chiefs as ‘great’ spot

April 26, 2026 No Comments

Chiefs take QB Garrett Nussmeier in 7th round of NFL draftplayWhat Garrett Nussmeier brings to the Chiefs (0:36)What Garrett Nussmeier brings to the Chiefs (0:36)Nate TaylorApr 25, 2026, 06:54 PM ETMultiple Authors

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Garrett Nussmeier, the former LSU quarterback, had to wait much longer than he expected to be selected in the NFL draft. But he did end Saturday celebrating after the Kansas City Chiefs used their final pick, No. 249, to take him in the seventh round.

“It was an unbelievable feeling,” Nussmeier mentioned. “I felt like I was sitting there waiting forever. I couldn’t have been more excited to see that [816] area code pop up. … It was difficult for me sitting there and not understanding why. Obviously, I have belief in myself and where I believe I should have been valued.

“I mentioned throughout this entire process it’s not when, it’s where. I couldn’t be more blessed to go to such a great team.”

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As a rookie, Nussmeier is expected to be the understudy to Patrick Mahomes. A few minutes after chatting with the Chiefs, Nussmeier expressed his excitement to be developed under coach Andy Reid.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to learn,” Nussmeier mentioned. “I’m just grateful that I have this opportunity. I can only imagine. I’m so excited to be in a room with those guys, coach Reid and his unbelievable offensive mind and sitting behind Patrick and steal some things from him and see the game through his eyes. It’s going to be an unbelievable experience for me.”

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Nussmeier underwent tests at the NFL scouting combine in February that revealed a cyst on his spine, sources told NFL Network, which contributed to the oblique pain that plagued him during the 2025 season at LSU. Before the Senior Bowl, Nussmeier had been asymptomatic. He could have a procedure if that changes, which would keep him sidelined for just a few weeks to allow stitches to heal, according to NFL Network.

Much of Nussmeier’s performance last season was complicated by his abdominal injury. He also played through patellar tendon tendinitis in his left knee. In nine games, Nussmeier recorded 1,927 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

“I went through a lot,” Nussmeier mentioned of his injuries. “I’m a big believer in my faith and my faith is my foundation. That’s how I got through all the stuff I went through this year. I’m the same guy I was before. I’m actually better off because of it.”

Nussmeier, the son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, possesses quality arm strength, which intrigued the Chiefs, hoping he can become Mahomes’ backup of the future.

For this upcoming season, Mahomes’ backup is expected to be five-year veteran Justin Fields. But Fields is only under contract for the 2026 season, which could give Nussmeier plenty of time to develop into a competent backup option for 2027.

At LSU, Nussmeier had memorable moments. His best college season was in 2024, when he threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Although he wasn’t selected higher in the draft, Nussmeier mentioned he is eager to continue to follow his father’s path, as Doug Nussmeier played five games during two seasons (1996-97) with the Saints. When Garrett Nussmeier heard his name declared during the draft Saturday afternoon, one of the first family members he hugged in New Orleans was his father.

“I spent my whole life growing up just looking up to him,” Nussmeier mentioned of his father. “I always wanted to be like him. I’m so grateful to now have the chance to go try and do that.”