Report: Former Falcons third-round pick Desmond Ridder to sign with Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to sign former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder, according to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Ridder was drafted by Atlanta in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Cincinnati.
The 25-year-old started four games in his rookie season and took over the starting job during his sophomore campaign in 2023. Ridder appeared in 19 games (17 starts) over his two seasons in Atlanta, passing for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
The Falcons traded Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals last offseason in exchange for wide receiver Rondale Moore. The trade didn’t work out for either team, as Ridder was released by Arizona and Moore missed the entire season due to a training camp injury.
The Las Vegas Raiders later signed Ridder off the Cardinals’ practice squad last season after suffering multiple injuries at quarterback. Ridder appeared in six games for the Raiders, making one start in Week 15 against the Falcons. For his career, Ridder has passed for 4,002 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
The Bengals were looking for an experienced backup for Joe Burrow. Ridder not only has starting experience, but he can learn from one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor also has ties to Ridder, offering him a scholarship to Cincinnati.
Zac Taylor offered Desmond Ridder the scholarship to go to UC. Now, one of the Bearcats’ most accomplished quarterbacks is in Cincinnati for camp with the Bengals, where Logan Woodside has been QB3. https://t.co/D0UBpx6eDr
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 20, 2025
The Falcons begin training camp this week, with their first official practice coming on July 24. Check out the team’s full training camp practice schedule and our latest 53-man roster projection for the 2025 season.