Packers Were Targeting QB Garrett Nussmeier Before Chiefs Drafted Him

After losing Malik Willis to the Miami Dolphins in free agency, the Green Bay Packers wanted more quarterback depth behind Jordan Love.

The team has Kyle McCord and Desmond Ridder both under contract, and they signed Virginia Tech's Kyron Drones shortly after the 2026 NFL draft.

Drones likely has the Kansas City Chiefs to thanks for his new employer because had they not picked LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round, the Packers would've went hard after him in free agency.

"The Packers searched for quarterback help last week," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote. "Green Bay showed interest in signing LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier if he went undrafted (the Chiefs nabbed him in the seventh round). They instead signed Virginia Tech passer Kyron Drones in undrafted free agency.

"And, keep in mind, should Indy’s Anthony Richardson Sr. be traded, he’s looking for an extension of the McVay-Shanahan-LaFleur tree from which to learn. Considering the success Matt LaFleur had with Malik Willis, Richardson will make sense if Green Bay has any interest."

The Packers were linked to Richardson via trade prior to the draft. It's believed the Colts were looking for a late-round pick in return (likely in the 5-7 range).

Nussmeier was a Heisman Trophy candidate for the first half of the college football season. However, an abdominal injury caused by a cyst on his spine derailed his season and subsequently tanked his draft stock.

In Kansas City, Nussmeier has a small chance to see playing time as a rookie. Patrick Mahomes is still recovering from an ACL injury, and Justin Fields doesn't have the best track record with not getting benched.

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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 7:09 PM.