It appears that Desmond Ridder will have to wait a little longer until he gets another chance to work out for an NFL team. It was previously reported that the former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback was going to try out for the Denver Broncos at their rookie minicamp.
However, that’s apparently not happening anymore. According to Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post, Ridder has a scheduling conflict that will keep him from being able to show up to the Broncos’ rookie minicamp.
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Instead, they’re bringing in quarterback Ian Book as a veteran presence at the position, who has previous experience with Sean Payton.
Former Las Vegas Raiders QB Desmond Ridder.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Though Ridder isn’t getting the chance to show the Broncos what he can do, there should be other chances for him this offseason. Ridder has had an up-and-down career, but he does have 18 career starts.
He should have some upside as a backup. Plus, he’s only 25 and a decent athlete.
Last season, he was on the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad before the Raiders signed him due to injuries in their quarterback room. He was able to make one start in Las Vegas, but struggled.
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The Raiders ended up just using him when they needed a quarterback who could run once Aidan O’Connell returned from injury. Luckily for Ridder, teams always need backup quarterbacks who have starting experience.
Things may not work out with the Broncos, but there should be other opportunities this offseason. Arthur Smith was his head coach with the Atlanta Falcons and could want him on the Pittsburgh Steelers, considering how weak their quarterback room is right now.
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