The Cincinnati Bengals are adding depth and experience to their quarterback room. According to multiple reports, former Atlanta Falcons starting QB Desmond Ridder has agreed to terms with the Bengals, giving Cincinnati a seasoned backup behind franchise star Joe Burrow.
Ridder, 24, entered the league as a third-round pick of the Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft. The former University of Cincinnati standout started 17 games for Atlanta over the past two seasons, throwing for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. While his tenure as the Falcons’ starter was marked by inconsistency, Ridder showed flashes of potential and remains a young quarterback with developmental upside.
🐅 A Return Home for Ridder
For Ridder, the move represents a homecoming. The Louisville native starred at Cincinnati, where he led the Bearcats to an historic College Football Playoff appearance in 2021 and finished as one of the winningest quarterbacks in FBS history. His familiarity with the city and fanbase adds an intriguing layer to his signing.
🏈 What It Means for Cincinnati
The Bengals’ quarterback depth chart behind Burrow has been a point of focus this offseason. With Burrow returning from a season-ending wrist injury in 2023, Cincinnati prioritized finding a reliable veteran presence in the QB room. Ridder brings starting experience and mobility, which could make him a valuable asset if Burrow were to miss time.
Jake Browning, who filled in admirably for Burrow last season, remains on the roster and will likely compete with Ridder for the primary backup role.
🔥 A Fresh Start
For Ridder, joining the Bengals offers a chance to reset his NFL trajectory. While he struggled to solidify himself as Atlanta’s long-term answer under center, a backup role behind an elite quarterback like Burrow could allow him to refine his game without the immediate pressure of starting.
The Bengals have yet to officially announce the signing, but Ridder is expected to join the team for offseason workouts.
