Bengals sign quarterback Desmond Ridder

The Bengals are bringing in another quarterback.

Bengals sign Desmond Ridder as new quarterback option

Desmond Ridder is set to join the Cincinnati Bengals as their latest quarterback addition. According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, this move marks a return home for Ridder, who played college football at the University of Cincinnati. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was also involved in Ridder's recruitment when he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the university. The 25-year-old quarterback was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, where he started four games as a rookie and had 13 starts in 2023. After being traded to the Cardinals and later to the Raiders, Ridder participated in six games last season, throwing for 458 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. With Jake Browning positioned as the backup to Joe Burrow, Ridder will likely contend for the third quarterback spot on Cincinnati’s roster, alongside Logan Woodside and rookie Payton Thorne.

Desmond Ridder's arrival to the Bengals brings both familiarity and competition to the team's quarterback lineup. Coach Zac Taylor's history with Ridder suggests a strategic move to harness Ridder's potential. With Joe Burrow's established role, Ridder may focus on proving himself in a backup capacity, making this situation particularly interesting for fans and analysts alike. His past performances in Atlanta and the Raiders indicate he has the skill set to contribute meaningfully. However, being in a competitive environment could challenge him as he aims to secure a spot amidst other capable quarterbacks.

Highlights

Ridder's performance in training camp will be closely watched by fans and analysts.