The Kansas City Chiefs took quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The former LSU star was projected to be a first-round pick before injuries marred his 2025 season at Louisiana State.
Nussmeier was diagnosed with a cyst on his spine that pressed against a nerve that caused continuous pain in his oblique. He played in nine games and threw for 1,972 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Nussmeier entered the preseason opener Saturday with about 13 minutes left in the second quarter. His first drive was a little rocky. He went 5-for-7 for 28 yards, and a lot of them were low-risk screen passes. He was nearly intercepted on 2nd-and-goal from the 20 as his pass to rookie receiver Cyrus Allen was in the vicinity of two defenders and batted down.
Late in the first half, Nussmeier showed his rollout ability to the right and completed a nine-yard pass to tight end Jared Wiley. The play was deemed incomplete and later overturned after a successful challenge. Nussmeier finished the first half 12-for-16 for 94 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Nussmeier connected with Allen on a 13-yard gain in which Allen climbed the ladder to make a spectacular play. The ball wasn't a great one, but Allen went up and got it to convert a first down.
Nussmeier looked good on the move and finished his day 13-for-19 for 98 yards, no touchdowns and no INTs. He was sacked twice and gave way to Chris Oladokun early in the fourth quarter.
