The Kansas City Chiefs will get Patrick Mahomes back coming off a knee injury. He has worked hard to be in position for a return in Week 1. Obviously, Kansas City is hoping they will not need to rely on any backup quarterback for meaningful snaps in 2026. All in all, this is one of the more intriguing backup QB competitions in recent Chiefs history.
Justin Fields was brought in after a minor trade with the New York Jets back in March. Kansas City then drafted LSU's Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round last April. Chris Oladokun, who started at the end of last season while Mahomes was out, remains in camp as well. All eyes will be on Fields and Nussmeier during the three preseason games to sort out the backup role.
Fields can be electric as a runner and athlete. However, his inconsistency as a passer makes this competition notable behind Mahomes. Nussmeier arguably possesses the abilities that Andy Reid will like as an all-around QB option if needed to take snaps.
Nussmeier showed toughness despite injury
At one time, Nussmeier was viewed as a top draft option for the 2026 quarterback class. LSU struggled mightily as an offense last year. Nussmeier also dealt with an injury, which eventually took him out of the lineup. As a result, he fell down the draft board. It was still stunning to see him last until round seven because of his natural skills.
Even as rough as it was during his final run at LSU, the passer still showed he would fight until he was forced off the field. That can go a long way when teams are seeing who should remain in their quarterback room at the NFL level. Therefore, Nussmeier pushing for Kansas City's backup role should not be all that surprising.
Accuracy and attacking the middle could decide QB2
Fields has been unable to find steady passing prowess in the NFL. Plenty of balls have sailed on him. Missing high and wide has led to missed opportunities in close games during his time as a starter. And in Chiefs training camp, Fields has occasionally been dinged for ugly interceptions and staring his targets down.
Those issues in accuracy and ball placement may be the determining factor in who wins QB2 on the K.C. depth chart. Fields must be able to distribute to different areas of the field. Can he attack safely in the middle? As for Nussmeier, the rookie has a clear chance to boost his role with Mahomes' injury recovery. The Chiefs can extensively let him loose in three total preseason games. Nussmeier seeing that many snaps will be crucial.
In the midst of being banged up, Nussmeier was able to display toughness in more ways than one as a college quarterback. He will certainly stand tall in the pocket and take massive hits after releasing the ball. He has a fair understanding of navigating the pocket and where his outlets are.
Additionally, his comfort when throwing to the middle of the field is notable in this competition. But also, as a rookie, not all passers come into the league accessing that part of the field often. Being unafraid to hit that spot can be one way in which he elevates over Fields.
Nussmeier's natural QB traits could give him the edge
It should be noted that Nussmeier is the son of a former quarterback and longtime QB coach. His dad's influence has surely helped to shape his calming confidence as a passer. Pair that with Coach Reid's tutelage, and it is easy to envision Nussmeier staying in Kansas City's quarterback room for a long time.
Some thought the Chiefs wasted a draft pick by selecting Nussmeier late in the draft. Yet, Kansas City could still use the presence of Fields or Nussmeier in a tactic to flip a backup QB for a minor asset before the season starts.
It is important to note that because the Chiefs drafted Nussmeier, he would have to pass through waivers to return to the team if he does not make the 53-man roster. But with his play style, demeanor, and natural throwing ability compared to Fields, Nussmeier has a favorable shot to be the clear backup quarterback in this complex offensive system.
Add us as a preferred source on Google