The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for a season full of promise and careful planning at the quarterback position. While all eyes remain on the team’s star signal-caller, Patrick Mahomes, 2026 could mark the start of a quietly intriguing story behind the scenes—a late-round rookie quarterback poised to learn, grow, and potentially cement himself as a long-term piece of the Chiefs’ dynasty.
Investing in Depth: Fields and Nussmeier
This offseason, the Chiefs made headlines by trading for veteran quarterback Justin Fields, a move designed to provide insurance behind Mahomes while giving the team flexibility in case of injury. Fields brings experience, mobility, and a proven record as a starter in the NFL, but the Chiefs’ leadership sees another layer to their quarterback plans: seventh-round pick Garrett Nussmeier, a daring, anticipatory passer who fell far down the 2026 NFL Draft board.
“Nussmeier’s fall was one of the draft’s biggest surprises,” writes Andy Reid, the Chiefs’ legendary head coach. “There were scouts who thought he could be this year’s QB3. He’s a daring passer, plays in rhythm, and makes jaw-dropping throws when protected. That mentality translates extremely well into an Andy Reid offense that requires downfield vision and the ability to squeeze passes consistently over the middle.”
While Nussmeier is unlikely to see the field this season, Reid believes that with the right guidance, coaching, and observation, the young quarterback could be in line for a long-term role as Mahomes’ backup.
A Redshirt Rookie Season
Reid emphasized that Nussmeier’s rookie campaign is expected to function as a developmental “redshirt” year. Surrounded by experienced players like Mahomes and Fields, the rookie has an opportunity to learn the nuances of NFL-level play without the immediate pressure of game-day action.
“The Chiefs see plenty of potential in him as the future long-term backup to Patrick Mahomes,” Reid said. “With Justin Fields on the roster this year, Garrett’s role is to listen—take notes from me, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Patrick, and Fields. This year is about growth, building his body, refining mechanics, and mentally preparing for when he steps onto the field in 2027 and beyond.”
In short, the organization is carefully nurturing the quarterback pipeline, balancing veteran stability with the promise of youth. Nussmeier’s intelligence, timing, and fearless approach make him an ideal candidate to grow into a long-term role. The Chiefs have successfully used this formula before, developing young players behind established stars before giving them meaningful snaps.
Mahomes’ Recovery: A Key Variable
While all this development is underway, the timeline for Patrick Mahomes’ return remains a closely guarded question. The two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion has been rehabbing a torn ACL that ended his 2025 season prematurely. Though Mahomes is showing encouraging progress, the Chiefs have not yet confirmed a start date for him in 2026.
“He’s making progress, I’ve said that all along, but you don’t know,” Reid told reporters via NFL.com. “You have to be smart. You rely on your medical staff. If it was up to Pat, he’d go play today. But that’s not where we are. We’ve got time. Let’s see where we’re at.”
The team is hopeful for Mahomes’ availability come Week 1, but in the event of a delayed start, Fields could serve as a competent interim starter. Nussmeier, meanwhile, would continue his apprenticeship, observing firsthand how two NFL-caliber quarterbacks approach the game, from pre-snap reads to game management under pressure.
Reid’s Vision for Development
Andy Reid has long been praised for his ability to develop young quarterbacks, from Mahomes himself to earlier stars like Alex Smith and Matt Cassel. Nussmeier’s arrival fits perfectly into that philosophy. Reid and his staff are not just concerned with raw talent—they’re cultivating football intelligence, decision-making, and adaptability.
“Nussmeier has the mental approach we want,” Reid said. “He asks the right questions, watches film, and understands the pace of the NFL. That kind of mindset, combined with his natural skills, makes him an ideal fit for our offense long-term.”
Nussmeier’s learning curve will be aided by one of the most talented offensive units in football. Mahomes’ wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive line provide a system where a backup QB can study elite play, learn complex route combinations, and understand defensive tendencies—all without the immediate risk of game-day pressure.
The Chiefs’ Broader Quarterback Strategy
The Chiefs’ investment in quarterback depth goes beyond insurance; it’s about sustainability. Mahomes remains the franchise cornerstone, but injuries, longevity, and succession planning are realities every NFL team must navigate. By pairing Fields and Nussmeier with Mahomes, the Chiefs have created a layered system that maximizes both immediate performance and long-term continuity.
“Having multiple quarterbacks with different skill sets allows flexibility,” Reid explained. “If Patrick isn’t ready for a game or needs rest, Justin is capable. And Garrett can observe and grow into the future. It’s about creating a pipeline that maintains our standard of play for years to come.”
Nussmeier, with his quick release, improvisational skills, and poise, could prove a perfect complement to this philosophy. His development over the next year may determine whether he eventually secures the No. 2 spot permanently or even challenges Fields for significant playing time in the years ahead.
What Fans Should Expect
Chiefs Kingdom can expect to see Nussmeier primarily in practice sessions, team meetings, and preseason action. His rookie year is about observation, absorbing Reid’s offensive philosophy, and learning from veteran quarterbacks in real game situations. If the 2026 season unfolds as planned, he’ll be ready to step in as Mahomes’ backup in 2027.
Analysts have praised the Chiefs’ foresight in taking a late-round quarterback with high upside. ESPN’s Jordan Reid suggested that “this could be a redshirt year for Nussmeier, but it’s a chance to grow into a starting-caliber QB behind one of the best in the league.”
With the Chiefs also focused on protecting Mahomes—through left tackle Josh Simmons’ development—and maximizing offensive weapons like Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy, Nussmeier’s quiet rise could be the final piece in a multi-layered plan for long-term quarterback stability.
Looking Ahead
In the fast-moving NFL, drafting a late-round quarterback who can learn behind an MVP is a savvy move. Nussmeier’s daring passing style, mental acumen, and access to elite coaching staff make him one to watch—even if his name doesn’t appear on the field much in 2026.
Mahomes’ eventual return, Fields’ reliability, and Nussmeier’s growth set up a quarterback room that could sustain the Chiefs’ high-powered offense for years. Reid’s patience, mentorship, and strategic planning may turn a seventh-round pick into a long-term asset.
In short, while fans anticipate the fireworks from Mahomes, Chiefs Kingdom may also witness the quiet emergence of Garrett Nussmeier—a daring young quarterback learning from the very best, ready to make his mark behind one of the NFL’s all-time greats.
