The Kansas City Chiefs made a big investment in their quarterback depth this offseason, trading for veteran Justin Fields as an insurance policy behind Patrick Mahomes.
But the Chiefs could have some other long-term plans for the position. ESPN’s Jordan Reid predicted that seventh-round rookie Garrett Nussmeier could have the chance to compete for the No. 2 spot after this year, which could be something of a redshirt rookie season.
Chiefs Plan to Develop Late-Round Draft Pick QB
Reid noted that the Chiefs were lucky to land Nussmeier so late in the draft, noting that he has the tools to grow into a strong NFL quarterback.
“Nussmeier’s fall was one of the draft’s biggest surprises, as there were scouts who thought he could be this year’s QB3,” Reid wrote. “Nussmeier is a daring anticipatory passer who plays in rhythm and makes a lot of jaw-dropping throws when protected. That type of mentality translates well into an Andy Reid offense that will require him to make downfield throws and squeeze passes consistently over the middle of the field.”
Reid predicted that Nussmeier wouldn’t see the field very much — or at all — in his rookie season, but has the chance to grow into a long-term backup.
“The Chiefs see plenty of potential in him as the future long-term backup to Patrick Mahomes,” Reid wrote. “But with Justin Fields on the roster this season, Nussmeier’s role is one where he should listen to Reid, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Mahomes and Fields and take notes for 2027 and beyond. Those lessons, and a yearlong plan to improve his skills and strengthen his body, should allow Nussmeier to be in the mix to be Mahomes’ backup in 2027.”
Chiefs Not Sure on Return for Patrick Mahomes
Though Mahomes has made good progress on the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season in December, the team has not yet given a definitive timeline for his return. Head coach Andy Reid told reporters this week that the team is still in “wait-and-see” mode, encouraged by his progress but not yet able to determine when he hits the field again.
“He’s making progress, I’ve said that all along, but you don’t know,” Reid said, via NFL.com. “That’s the reality of it. You don’t know. You’re not going to put the player in a position where he can’t tend to himself on the football field. So you’ve got to be smart with that, I think. Then you’ve got to rely on your medical staff. … If it’s Pat, he’d go play today. But that’s not where we’re at. We’ve got time here, and let’s see where we’re at.”
If Mahomes is not ready to start the season, Reid had said they are confident with Fields at quarterback. NFL.com’s Kevin Patra suggested that the league has a more optimistic outlook, scheduling the Chiefs to play the division champion Denver Broncos in Week 1.
“The NFL wouldn’t pit the Broncos versus the Chiefs in Week 1 if they believed we’d see Justin Fields against Denver backup Jarrett Stidham — Nix is also dealing with an injury,” Patra wrote. “Coach Andy Reid was asked on NFL Network on Thursday whether the league office reached out to the Chiefs for an update on Mahomes’ recovery before finalizing the schedule.”
Chiefs Have Big Plans for ‘Daring’ Rookie QB Behind Patrick Mahomes