Cowboys Hold Private Workout for ‘Aggressive’ Quarterback

The Dallas Cowboys own eight picks in next week’s NFL draft, and while the team fielded arguably the worst defense in the league in 2025, they’re not likely to use all eight on defensive players. It might not come until they have one of their three fifth-round picks, but somewhere along the line they’re going to pick a guy who plays offense.

Still, picking a quarterback would be a surprise, especially after the Cowboys signed backup Sam Howell to challenge Joe Milton as the QB2. But if the Cowboys decide that Milton is not going to develop into a starter in the future, perhaps they’d cut bait with him. We might get a clue as to those plans in the coming days if, indeed, Dallas scoops up a QB in the draft.

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Cowboys Worked Out Garrett Nussmeier Before NFL Draft

They’re obviously open to that possibility. That comes from a report on Tuesday that the Cowboys have held a private workout for a player who was thought to be among the top quarterbacks in the incoming NFL draft class, but whose 2025 struggles knocked him well down into Day 2, or maybe even Day 3: Garrett Nussmeier of LSU.

While the No. 1 pick will be used on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson is seen as a fringe first-rounder, Nussmeier is in a third-tier group. As NFL insider Ryan Fowler reports:

“LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier has had private workouts recently with the Cowboys, Rams, and Jets, per multiple sources. A likely Day 2 pick, he’s among the names in the mix for QB3 in the class right alongside Carson Beck, Drew Allar, and a few others including NDSU signal-caller Cole Payton, who teams remain high on.”

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Garrett Nussmeier Was Expected to Be a Top Pick in NFL Draft

Nussmeier was one of the most hard-luck prospects in the college game last season, as an early abdominal issue threw off his entire season, which was cut short at nine games. That could be an opportunity for the Cowboys. Nussmeier had led the SEC in completions and attempts as a junior in 2024, and posted 4,052 yards. He also led the SEC with 12 interceptions (with 29 touchdowns), and hoped to come back as a senior showing that he could corral his gambling style.

ESPN’s early mock draft in June 2025 projected Nussmeier as the No. 11 overall pick and the second quarterback selected. In April 2025, Pro Football Focus projected him as the No. 5 overall pick. There is, obviously talent there.

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Cowboys QB Room Shake-Up Ahead?

Now, though, Nussmeier could be lost to the dustbin of mid-round picks who never really get a chance to play in the NFL. With Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott still among the elite players in the league and turning 33 in July, the Cowboys may still be looking at three or four more good years from their star. Still, the Cowboys could shake up the quarterback room.

A significant part of Nussmeier’s future in the NFL is just a matter of luck, landing with the right team and actually getting an opportunity to play.

Dane Brugler, the NFL draft guru for The Athletic, wrote: “Garrett Nussmeier is an aggressive competitor who can throw you into or out of games, but his arm talent and command are foundational traits that generally translate well to the NFL. He projects as a high-level backup and spot starter.”

 

Sean Deveney is a veteran sports reporter covering the NBA, NFL and MLB for Heavy.com. He has written for Heavy since 2019 and has more than two decades of experience covering the NBA, including 17 years as the lead NBA reporter for the Sporting News. Deveney is the author of 7 nonfiction books, including “Fun City,” “Before Wrigley became Wrigley,” and “Facing Michael Jordan.” More about Sean Deveney