The Bengals have signed QB Desmond Ridder.
Ridder was originally a 2nd round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. He was a highly touted prospect, coming out of the University of Cincinnati, but dropped a little bit farther than expected on draft day. Some thought he would go in the 1st round. He was viewed as being a bit raw, but he had, and still has, the tools to be a good player in the league.
In Atlanta, he started off as the backup, behind Marcus Mariota, before taking over as the starter in December of his rookie season. Ridder was the week 1 starter in 2023, but was benched in week 8 due to poor play.
After a brief stint in Arizona with the Cardinals, Ridder ended up with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. He started only one game and appeared in six with the Raiders. Unfortunately, his play wasn’t any better than it was in Atlanta.
Now joining the Bengals, we’ll see if the coaching staff can get anything out of him. Of all the QB’s behind Burrow, Ridder’s combination of arm strength and athleticism clearly gives him the most upside of the bunch. However, the lack of consistency that he has been able to find up to this point makes it a pretty big long shot that he can surpass Jake Browning. And even calling it a long shot is being generous.
Most likely, Ridder will be competing for the 3rd string job, which should be a practice squad spot, rather than a spot on the roster. Veteran Logan Woodside and rookie UDFA Payton Thorne will be his competition.
Already a few years into his career, Ridder is at risk of falling out of the league. An impressive preseason will be important for him. As well, if the Bengals can help his game get to the next level, he could be an interesting asset, either as a backup to Burrow or as a trade chip.
