What the Addition of the LSU QB Could Bring to the Saints
The New Orleans Saints are on the eve of their first official game of the season when they play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. This is the culmination of months of changes to the team, particularly to their head coach and lineup of quarterbacks. After a fierce competition during their three preseason games, the incoming QB through the NFL Draft, Tyler Shough, has been placed as the backup while veteran Spencer Rattler is set to start. Some Saints fans are upset about this outcome because Shough’s three-game performance was obviously better than his “competitor.” We may see a change of QBs halfway through the season, which may result in an alteration to the roster. For this decision, let’s consider a possible replacement, such as LSU’s current starting quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier.
Garrett Nussmeier started his freshman year in 2021 at LSU. During that initial freshman season, he played in four games, completing 29 passes from 57 attempted passes for 329 yards, two touchdown passes, and two interceptions. During his second freshman season, Nussmeier increased all of his previous stats by playing seven games during which he made 52 pass completions from 84 attempted passes for 800 yards, five touchdown passes, and four interceptions. He would follow that in his 2023 season with seven games played during which he made 48 pass completions from 78 attempted passes for 591 yards, four touchdown passes, and one interception. Garrett’s junior year can be viewed as his “breakout season” because he played 13 games, making 337 pass completions from 525 attempted passes for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdown passes, and 12 interceptions. In his initial game of his senior year this season, this starting QB made 28 pass completions from 38 attempted passes for 232 yards, and one touchdown. If his 2024 season is an indication of what we will see this year, he is certain to put up higher numbers in his stats.
This talented player could have the potential to lead this team or at least be an incredible backup. His consistency and performance throughout four seasons at LSU have proven that there is an incredible future for him at the professional level. He also has the added “bonus” of his father, Doug Nussmeier, being the Saints' current offensive coordinator. With his father overseeing his development with this team, we may see another family dynasty if not this season, but the next when Garret enters the 2026 NFL Draft.
