Nussmeier’s Hidden Edge Over Fields in Chiefs Battle
Chiefs QB Battle: Who Will Back Up Patrick Mahomes in 2026?
ELI5 Alert: This article explains the Kansas City Chiefs’ backup quarterback situation like you’re 5 years old. No fancy football jargon without an explanation!
The Big Picture: Mahomes Is Back
The most important thing to know: Patrick Mahomes is healthy and returning for Week 1. After dealing with a knee injury, the superstar quarterback has worked hard all offseason to be ready for the 2026 season opener.
Why this matters: The Chiefs really don’t want to use a backup quarterback for meaningful snaps this year. But in the NFL, you always need a Plan B — and that’s where things get interesting.
KEY POINT: This is considered one of the most intriguing backup QB competitions in recent Chiefs history. Three guys are fighting for one spot behind Mahomes.
Meet the Contenders for QB2
There are three quarterbacks competing to be Mahomes’ backup:
| Player | How He Got Here | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Fields | Traded from NY Jets in March 2026 | 5th NFL season (former 1st-round pick) |
| Garrett Nussmeier | Drafted in 7th round (April 2026) | Rookie (just finished college at LSU) |
| Chris Oladokun | Already on roster from last year | 2nd year, started games when Mahomes was out |
The main battle: All eyes are on Fields vs. Nussmeier during the three preseason games. Oladokun is the "known quantity" — coaches already know what he can do.
Justin Fields: The Athletic Veteran
Think of Fields like a lightning bolt with cleats.
What He Does Well
- Incredible runner — can take off and gain big yards with his legs
- Playmaker — creates something out of nothing when plays break down
- NFL experience — has started lots of games, knows the speed of the pro game
The Concerns
- Inconsistent passer — sometimes throws are way off target (high, wide, or into danger)
- "Stares down" receivers — looks at one guy too long, letting defenders read his mind
- Turnover prone — threw some ugly interceptions in training camp
Simple Translation: Fields can run like a superhero, but his throwing has been hit-or-miss in the NFL.
Garrett Nussmeier: The Rookie with QB DNA
Don’t let "7th round pick" fool you — this kid has a fascinating story.
The "Fell in the Draft" Mystery
- Was once projected as a top pick for the 2026 draft
- LSU’s offense struggled badly last year
- Got hurt and had to sit out games
- Still fought to play through pain until doctors said "no more"
- Slid all the way to Round 7 — Chiefs got a potential steal!
Why Coaches Like Him
- Toughness — stands in the pocket taking hits to deliver throws
- Natural accuracy — especially comfortable throwing to the middle of the field (the hardest, most dangerous area)
- Pocket awareness — knows where his "escape routes" are
- QB upbringing — his dad was a QB and longtime QB coach!
ELI5 Moment: "Throwing to the middle" means hitting receivers between the hash marks — where linebackers and safeties live. Most rookies are scared to throw there. Nussmeier isn’t.
What Coaches Are Watching For
During the three preseason games, here’s the report card:
For Justin Fields to Win:
- Protect the ball — no more ugly interceptions
- Hit the middle — show he can safely throw between the numbers
- Distribute — spread passes to different parts of the field, not just one side
For Garrett Nussmeier to Win:
- Handle the volume — get lots of snaps and show he can process the complex Chiefs offense
- Stay calm — keep that "calming confidence" when things go wrong
- Prove the draft slide was a fluke — show the talent that made him a top prospect
THE DECIDING FACTOR: Accuracy and ball placement — especially attacking the middle of the field safely — might be the #1 thing that determines QB2.
The "Waiver Wire" Factor
Here’s a sneaky-important rule most fans don’t know:
IMPORTANT RULE: Because the Chiefs drafted Nussmeier, if they cut him, he must pass through waivers — meaning any other team can claim him for free.
Translation: If Nussmeier looks good but loses the QB2 battle, the Chiefs can’t just stash him on the practice squad. Another team would likely grab him. This gives Nussmeier a huge advantage — the Chiefs want to keep him.
Fields, as a veteran, would become a free agent if cut — Chiefs could re-sign him to the practice squad easily.
Could a Trade Happen?
Plot twist: The Chiefs might keep both — then trade one!
- Some critics said drafting Nussmeier was a "wasted pick"
- But having two tradeable backup QBs is actually a smart asset strategy
- If one shines in preseason, other teams might offer a draft pick for him
- Chiefs flip a 7th-rounder → maybe get a 5th or 6th rounder back? Value!
Summary
| Key Takeaway | Details |
|---|---|
| Mahomes is QB1 | Healthy, ready for Week 1 |
| Three competitors | Fields (vet), Nussmeier (rookie), Oladokun (holdover) |
| Main battle | Fields’ athleticism vs. Nussmeier’s natural passing traits |
| Preseason is everything | 3 games to prove who’s QB2 |
| Nussmeier has hidden leverage | Waiver rules make him harder to lose |
| Trade possibility | Chiefs could turn depth into draft capital |
Bottom line: This isn’t just about who holds a clipboard. It’s about finding a quarterback who can run Andy Reid’s complex offense if disaster strikes — and maybe finding a trade asset along the way.
FAQ
1. Why does the backup QB matter if Mahomes never gets hurt?
Great question! In the NFL, everyone gets hurt eventually. In 2023, Mahomes missed time and the backup had to start. Also, a good backup pushes the starter in practice and helps prepare the defense.
2. What does "7th round pick" mean?
The NFL Draft has 7 rounds. Round 1 = best players. Round 7 = "flyers on long shots." Most 7th rounders don’t make the team. Nussmeier falling that far was very unusual for a player once considered a top prospect.
3. What is "the middle of the field" and why is it hard?
Imagine the field divided into thirds: left, middle, right. The middle is patrolled by fast linebackers and safeties. Throwing there requires perfect timing and accuracy — or it’s an interception. Most QBs prefer the safer sidelines.
4. Who is Andy Reid and why does his offense matter?
Andy Reid is the Chiefs’ head coach and an offensive genius. His system is famously complex — lots of motions, options, and reads. A backup needs high football IQ to run it. That’s why Nussmeier’s "QB upbringing" is a plus.
5. When will we know who wins?
Final roster cuts happen in late August (after the 3rd preseason game). But the real answer might come earlier if one guy clearly outplays the other in games.
Chiefs Kingdom: Whether it’s Fields’ legs or Nussmeier’s arm, Kansas City’s QB room is deeper than it’s been in years. And with Mahomes healthy — that’s the real championship formula.