Apr 16, 2026, 10:55 AM CUT
Dallas Cowboys Privately Meet 52-TD QB Prospect Ahead Of Draft

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DETROIT, MI - APRIL 25: The Dallas Cowboys are on the clock during Day 1 of the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Draft on April 25, 2024 at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, MI. Photo by John Smolek/Icon Sportswire NFL: APR 25 2024 Draft EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon240425146
Fans will expect the Dallas Cowboys to go big on defense in the 2026 draft. After all, this side of the ball was beyond disappointing last season. But the Cowboys might be looking to use some of their picks on the offense too.
According to insider Ryan Fowler, LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has had private workouts recently with the Cowboys and some other teams. On the draft board, the QB comes with an interesting draft stock.
Entering the 2025 college football season, Nussmeier was touted to be a No. 1 pick for the 2026 draft. But the QB ended up being a major disappointment, as he could throw for only 1,927 yards and recorded only 12 touchdowns. He was playing through an abdominal injury, that held him back from his ceiling.

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NCAA, College League, USA Football: Senior Bowl Practice Jan 29, 2026 Mobile, AL, USA American quarterback Garrett Nussmeier 13 of LSU throws the ball during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mobile Hancock Whitney Stadium AL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xVashaxHuntx 20260129_cec_hd1_014
After the season, however, Nussmeier started getting back up in the ranks after a strong showing in the Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine, and at LSU's Pro Day. At the Combine, Nussmeier ranked No. 11 overall among QBs.
Without this resurgence, Nussmeier was not looking at a great pro career. He dropped from a career-high passing yards total of 4,052 in 2024 to below 2,000 in 2025. The numbers from his previous years are a big reason why the QB is still a valued prospect in the draft. But he will still need to assure teams that he can get back to that level quickly.
Nussmeier is an interesting option for Dallas. The QB room is doing well for now, and his inclusion in the team will have an effect on the offense.
How Does Garrett Nussmeier Fit In at Dallas?
According to many draft experts, Nussmeier is going to be a Day 2/3 pick. Picking a quarterback would be a bold but understandable move for Dallas.
Sam Howell is already there to fight Joe Milton for the QB2 role. But in case either of them proves to be a letdown, Dallas might want to have another option waiting in the wings. Nussmeier brings a lot of power in his game, and could be a great replacement for Dak Prescott.
But getting a starting role would be difficult for the LSU QB. Dak Prescott seems to be QB1 for the near future, and being in the middle of the depth chart for too long might not be in Nussmeier's plans.
We'll have to wait and watch how this one pans out.
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Written by
Archana Ramakrishnan
Edited by

Afreen Kabir