Kansas City Chiefs Select Garrett Nussmeier in NFL Draft
Introduction
The Kansas City Chiefs have selected former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with the 249th overall pick in the seventh round of the NFL draft.
Main Body
Nussmeier comes from a successful college career at LSU, where he recorded 7,699 passing yards and 52 touchdowns. His 2024 season was particularly strong, as he achieved 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. However, his 2025 performance suffered due to several injuries, including knee problems and pain in his side. Doctors later discovered a spinal cyst during the NFL scouting combine in February. Although he currently has no symptoms, he may need a minor surgery and a short recovery period to heal. These medical issues, combined with a drop in his team's overall performance, caused his draft value to fall compared to earlier projections. Despite these concerns, the Kansas City Chiefs emphasized his arm strength as a key reason for drafting him, viewing him as a player who can develop over the long term. In terms of the team's structure, Nussmeier will be behind star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. While Justin Fields is expected to be the main backup for now, his contract ends in 2026. As a result, Nussmeier could move into the second-string role by 2027. Furthermore, because Mahomes is currently recovering from a knee injury, Nussmeier may get more practice opportunities during the preseason, although Fields remains the immediate backup.
Conclusion
Garrett Nussmeier has joined the Chiefs as a developmental player, with his future role depending on the careers of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Fields.