The Kansas City Chiefs have the advantage of rostering the league's best starter in Patrick Mahomes. Still, you want a level of stability and depth at the position, and this was shown in adding Justin Fields and drafting Garrett Nussmeier. The rookie, Nussmeier, was added in the draft's final round and has gone under the radar when it comes to draft fallout. It's understandable when you consider that each of Kansas City's first five selections has a real chance to make a meaningful impact, while Nussmeier will be buried on the depth chart.
However, the selection still has a chance to bring surprise value, offering a development project that could turn into a potential long-term backup option. If Nussmeier is going to put together a career at the next level, there is no better landing spot than learning under Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and Eric Bieniemy.
Nussmeier has all of the tools to be an elite backup and a borderline starting option if he can make clear development progress. The main weakness in his game is a tendency to get stuck on the first read and force throws due to a refusal to look elsewhere and being sped up in his head. There is no questioning the arm talent, but like any young QB, decision-making is at the forefront of development and what he needs to be coached on. Having Fields and Mahomes at both Nussmeier's and the Chiefs' disposal provides needed time to do just that.
Chiefs found potential long-term backup option in Garrett Nussmeier
Kansas City has a great history of developing almost every position at an elite level, but has historically leaned on veterans backing up Mahomes in his career. Changing this by developing Nussmeier as an option for years to come would serve as a clear change and perhaps a needed one, as the times Mahomes has had to come out of games, recent backups like Carson Wentz and Gardner Minshew have struggled.
There is also the potential avenue of developing Nussmeier behind the scenes and letting him spread his wings elsewhere. Young quarterback trades are constant in this league, giving Nussmeier potential value if his development goes as hoped. While the Chiefs clearly could benefit from stability at the position, the potential value has to be considered as well.
All of this adds up to make it clear that the Chiefs have found a potential bargain and a player fans will be keeping a close eye on this summer. Considering Mahomes is coming off an ACL injury, fans should see plenty of Nussmeier in the preseason with Kansas City protecting their starter and already knowing exactly what they have in Fields. Nussmeier is going to have an opportunity to begin to build early momentum.
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