After a rollercoaster couple of seasons for their quarterback room, the Cincinnati Bengals have made a strategic move—they’re bringing in Desmond Ridder as backup to star QB Joe Burrow, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
It’s a depth-building decision that adds another option behind one of the league’s top signal callers.
Insurance Behind Burrow After a Tough Injury History
While Burrow had a stellar 2024 season—playing all 17 games and leading the NFL with nearly 5,000 passing yards and 43 touchdowns—the team hasn’t forgotten how things unraveled the year before when a wrist injury kept him out for seven games.
With the memory of that disruption still fresh, adding someone like Ridder brings a layer of security for 2025.
Ridder’s Journey: From Atlanta to Cincinnati
At just 25 years old, Ridder has already bounced around the league a bit.
Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Falcons, he got a good chunk of playing time early.
Over 19 games and 17 starts in Atlanta, Ridder averaged just under 187 passing yards per game, tossing 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions along the way.
He also showed he can be a threat on the move, rushing for five touchdowns during his time with the Falcons—something that gives the Bengals a slightly different flavor behind Burrow.
A Nomadic 2024 Season for Ridder
Ridder’s 2024 season was a strange one.
The Cardinals traded for him in March, only to waive him months later and place him on the practice squad.
Then came a short stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he appeared in six games (starting one), and threw for 458 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Now, he’s headed to Cincinnati, where he’ll join a quarterback depth chart that also includes Jake Browning and Payton Thorne.
Bengals Looking to Bounce Back After Another Playoff Miss
Cincinnati’s 2024 season fell short of expectations.
Despite a loaded offense, they missed the playoffs for the second year in a row, finishing with a 9-8 record after an 0-3 start.
On top of team struggles, Burrow had to deal with personal issues—most notably a burglary at his home.
Still, with Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow, and a talented offensive core, the Bengals remain one of the AFC’s most dangerous teams when things click.
The hope is that adding Ridder gives them a little more cushion and stability heading into a high-stakes season.
All Eyes on Week 1 Against the Browns
The Bengals will open their 2025 campaign on the road against the Cleveland Browns, and the front office is clearly focused on making sure they’re ready for anything—especially when it comes to quarterback health.
Whether Ridder sees the field or not, his presence could prove vital in a long, grueling NFL season.