Six things to know about LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, Chiefs’ 7th-round pick

The Kansas City Chiefs used their final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the first quarterback they’ve selected since Patrick Mahomes in 2017. The 24-year-old brings NFL pedigree and SEC starting experience to a quarterback room led by Mahomes and backup Justin Fields.

Here are key takeaways:

• Nussmeier was selected with the 249th overall pick in the seventh round, making him the first quarterback drafted by the Chiefs in the Patrick Mahomes era.
• The 6-foot-2, 203-pound quarterback is the son of Doug Nussmeier, a former NFL quarterback who currently serves as the New Orleans Saints’ offensive coordinator.
• Nussmeier had a breakout 2024 season at LSU, completing 337 of 525 passes for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, but torso and abdominal injuries derailed his 2025 senior season after he had been projected as a first-round pick.
• LSU named Nussmeier a permanent team captain and issued him No. 18, a number reserved for the player who best represents LSU football.
• Chiefs vice president of player personnel Ryne Nutt described Nussmeier as a developmental prospect who gives Kansas City a cost-controlled option behind Mahomes and Fields, with Spotrac projecting a four-year, $4.36 million contract.
• Nussmeier is one of two rookie quarterbacks with NFL family ties at this year’s mini-camp, joining EJ Warner, son of Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, out of Fresno State.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.