The Cincinnati Bengals are making moves to bolster their quarterback room ahead of the upcoming NFL season—just in case things go sideways.
With Joe Burrow healthy again and ready to lead the team, the Bengals have quietly added a familiar name to the roster: Desmond Ridder.
Desmond Ridder Brings Experience and Depth
Desmond Ridder, a 25-year-old signal caller, is the latest addition to Cincinnati’s quarterback depth chart.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ridder began his professional career with the Atlanta Falcons.
He also had brief stints with the Arizona Cardinals and, most recently, the Las Vegas Raiders.
Although Ridder hasn’t quite solidified himself as a long-term starter in the NFL, he does bring real-game experience and a decent amount of upside to the table—qualities that could prove valuable if Burrow were to miss time again.
A Reliable Backup Plan Behind Burrow
Joe Burrow, the face of the Bengals franchise, managed to play all 17 games last season and finished with a league-leading 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns.
Still, the memory of his 2023 wrist injury that sidelined him for seven games lingers, which likely prompted the Bengals to look for reliable backup options.
Ridder will now be competing for the QB2 spot alongside Jake Browning and Payton Thorne.
If Burrow were to get hurt again, Ridder’s presence could provide some security, given that he’s already had 17 starts under his belt in Atlanta.
What Ridder Has Done So Far
During his time with the Falcons, Ridder put up modest numbers—averaging 186.5 passing yards per game and tallying 14 touchdowns to 12 interceptions over 19 appearances.
He also showed he could contribute on the ground, running in five touchdowns.
After a short-lived trade to the Cardinals in March 2024, Ridder didn’t see the field in Arizona.
He was waived before the season began and eventually landed on their practice squad.
By October, he’d signed with the Raiders, where he appeared in six games and made one start, throwing for 458 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Bengals Hope to Bounce Back from Playoff Miss
Cincinnati is coming off a frustrating 9-8 season, which started with an 0-3 slump and ended with them missing the playoffs for the second year in a row.
It was also a tough stretch for Burrow personally—his home was burglarized, adding stress off the field.
Despite the setbacks, the Bengals still boast one of the most explosive offenses in the league.
With stars like Ja’Marr Chase and a healthy Burrow back under center, there’s renewed hope they’ll return to playoff contention.
All Eyes on Week 1 at Cleveland
The Bengals will kick off their 2025 campaign with a divisional showdown against the Cleveland Browns.
With Ridder now part of the mix, fans can breathe a little easier knowing there’s more depth behind Burrow.
Now, the question is: Can Cincinnati reclaim its status as a top contender in the AFC?
We’ll find out soon enough.