Garrett Nussmeier Lands with Kansas City Chiefs After Unexpected Draft Slide

Former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier's wait finally ended on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft when the Kansas City Chiefs selected him, capping off a longer-than-expected slide for one of the draft's most polarizing quarterbacks.

Nussmeier, whose fiancée Ella publicly reacted to his slide on social media, was projected by many analysts as a Day 2 pick. But a weak overall quarterback class and questions about his consistency kept teams from pulling the trigger until the Chiefs finally made the call.

At LSU, Nussmeier showed flashes of the arm talent that made him a five-star recruit out of high school. He threw for over 3,000 yards in his final season but struggled with turnovers and decision-making under pressure. The Chiefs, who have made three Super Bowls in the Patrick Mahomes era, can afford to develop him slowly.

Kansas City's quarterback room has undergone significant changes this offseason, and Nussmeier adds competition and developmental upside. He'll compete for a roster spot behind Mahomes, with the potential to serve as a high-upside backup or future trade asset.

The draft slide will serve as motivation. Several quarterbacks drafted ahead of Nussmeier — including Carson Beck and Drew Allar — went on Day 2, and he'll carry a chip on his shoulder into rookie minicamp.

**What This Means For You:** If you're a Chiefs fan, this is a low-risk, high-reward pick. Nussmeier has the arm to succeed in Andy Reid's system, and falling to Day 3 means expectations are tempered. For fantasy players, he's worth a stash in dynasty formats.