The 2026 NFL Draft was a rollercoaster for LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Once viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick after a stellar 2024 campaign, he watched his stock plummet amid injury woes and poor tape that left teams questioning his future. By the time the Chiefs traded up to snag him at pick 249—just nine spots from Mr. Irrelevant—Nussmeier had fallen further than almost any quarterback in recent memory.
But here's the twist: That fall might be the best thing that ever happened to him.
In Kansas City, Nussmeier lands in a dream scenario. He'll be developed by Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, two of the sharpest minds in the game. More importantly, he'll get to learn from Patrick Mahomes, arguably the most talented quarterback the NFL has ever seen. And the best part? There's zero pressure. The Chiefs don't need him to play this season, or even next. They can take their time, mold him, and see if that raw potential from his 2024 season can resurface.
Nussmeier's rise and fall were swift. In 2024, he completed 64.2% of his passes for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, despite 12 interceptions. He was consistent, poised, and looked like a lock for an early draft slot. But the 2025 season was a disaster. Injuries limited him to just nine games, and his production cratered: fewer than 2,000 yards and only 12 touchdowns. The Tigers struggled as a team, and Nussmeier's once-bright NFL future suddenly looked murky.
Fans and analysts alike wondered if he had any shot at a pro career. Some even whispered that he might go undrafted entirely. But the Chiefs saw an opportunity. By trading with the Steelers for the 249th pick, they ended Nussmeier's freefall and gave him a lifeline.
Now, Nussmeier can focus on development without the weight of expectations. He'll have time to heal, refine his mechanics, and absorb the nuances of Reid's offense. And if he ever needs a reminder of how a late-round pick can become a star, he only has to look at Brock Purdy—Mr. Irrelevant himself—who turned a similar underdog story into a starting gig.
Of course, Nussmeier's path is far from guaranteed. The Chiefs roster is stacked, and he'll have to earn every rep. But for a player who watched his draft stock fall from first-round star to Day 3 uncertainty, this is a second chance. And in the NFL, sometimes all you need is one.
Whether Nussmeier carves out a niche in Kansas City or elsewhere, he's now in the perfect environment to learn the ropes. The pressure is off. The talent is there. And the coaching staff is among the best in the league. For a quarterback who hit rock bottom on draft weekend, landing at No. 249 might just be the springboard he needs.
