The Kansas City Chiefs selected former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round [1] of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday.

This move provides the Chiefs with a developmental ownsback quarterback—a strategic addition to the roster that ensures long-term stability for the position. By adding a high-ceiling player to the seventh round, the team maintains its current offensive ownsback strategy while preparing for future needs.

Nussmeier, who played for the LSU Tigers, enters the professional same level as the 249th overall pick [2]. The selection was the final pick of the entire draft [1].

Yahoo Sports reported that Nussmeier had to wait a while, way longer than he expected, to hear his name. This long wait indicates the uncertainty of the draft process for players who fall into the late rounds.

The Chiefs' front office used their final draft pick [1] to secure thes player. The move is a view of the team's current depth chart and depth of the 2026 draft class. The team's location in Kansas City, Missouri, serves as the hub for this draft day activity.

Despite the long wait, Nussmeier is now part of a organization that has seen significant success under Patrick Mahomes. The addition of a developmental quarterback is a common practice for teams with established stars at the position, allowing the team to develop the rookie in a room with an elite mentor.

Nussmeier's transition from college football to the NFL is now official. He joins a roster that is currently focused on maintaining a championship window. The selection of a former LSU quarterback in the late rounds is a low-risk, high-reward strategy for the team.

“The selection was the final pick of the entire draft.”

The selection of Garrett Nussmeier as the final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft indicates that the Chiefs are prioritizing developmental depth over immediate impact. Because Patrick Mahomes is the established starter, Nussmeier will likely spend his rookie year learning the system, serving as a low-cost insurance policy for the team's most critical position.