Story perspectives

Chiefs Draft LSU QB Nussmeier Amid Health Concerns

4/28/2026

Summary

Nussmeier Drafted

Kansas City Chiefs drafted LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at No. 249 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He was projected as the third quarterback taken, so his pick surprised analysts.
A spinal cyst, oblique pain and patellar tendinitis found at the combine raised health concerns.
He signed a four-year rookie contract worth roughly KES 520 million ($4 million) and was placed third on the depth chart behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes and quarterback Justin Fields.

Summary

Nussmeier Joins Chiefs

Garrett Nussmeier said his draft interactions with the Kansas City Chiefs were minimal.
He said teams treat the draft as a chess match, with some hiding and others revealing interests.
Nussmeier called joining the Chiefs a great development opportunity and praised head coach Andy Reid.
He noted he will be behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whom he called one of the best ever.

History

Historical Context

Len Dawson signed with the AFL’s Dallas Texans on June 30 1962, moved with the franchise to Kansas City, and guided the Chiefs to an AFL championship and MVP performance in Super Bowl IV (1969). Decades later, the Chiefs selected LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with the 249th pick in the 2026 draft, echoing Dawson’s rise from a modest acquisition to a championship leader.

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Nussmeier Drafted

Kansas City Chiefs drafted LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at No. 249 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He was projected as the third quarterback taken, so his pick surprised analysts.
A spinal cyst, oblique pain and patellar tendinitis found at the combine raised health concerns.
He signed a four-year rookie contract worth roughly KES 520 million ($4 million) and was placed third on the depth chart behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes and quarterback Justin Fields.

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