Everyone needs a reliable backup. Even Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow—a former Las Vegas Raiders signal-caller might soon be the one to fill those shoes.
The Bengals just added a new name to their quarterback room—Desmond Ridder is headed to the Queen City, according to a report. The 25-year-old signal-caller, once a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has taken snaps for both the Falcons and Raiders. Now, he’s suiting up in stripes.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero broke the news. He noted that Ridder’s role will be to offer some insurance behind the franchise face in Burrow. And while Burrow lit up the league last season—posting a jaw-dropping 4,918 yards and a league-best 43 touchdowns while playing all 17 games—Cincy remembers all too well the sting of his wrist injury that cost him seven games the year before.
That’s where Ridder comes in. He’s not here to steal the spotlight. If Burrow needs a breather or, heaven forbid, misses time, Ridder could be asked to keep the engine humming in 2025. His combination of experience and athleticism makes him a reliable presence that the Bengals hope they won’t require.
Welcome to the jungle, Desmond.
Ridder brings starting experience and dual-threat potential to the Bengals’ quarterback room. In 19 games (17 starts) with the Falcons, the 2022 third-round pick averaged 186.5 passing yards per game, throwing 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding five rushing scores. After a brief stint with the Cardinals—who waived him before the season—Ridder joined the Raiders in October. He appeared in six games (one start) and recorded 458 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He now joins a Bengals depth chart that includes Jake Browning and Payton Thorne behind Burrow.
After a rocky 0-3 start and a 9-8 finish, the Bengals found themselves on the outside looking in last postseason—for the second straight year. When you factor in a challenging off-field incident involving Burrow’s home burglary, Cincinnati’s 2024 journey was far from easy.
However, one should not underestimate this team. With Burrow healthy and locked in, and Ja’Marr Chase still terrorizing secondaries, the Bengals’ explosive offense is ready to roar again. Their mission? Their mission is to make a comeback to the playoffs. Something that they haven’t achieved since their valiant AFC Championship run in 2022.
The road back begins in Week 1, when the Bengals head north to face the division-rival Browns. Let the redemption tour begin.
*Top Photo: Getty Images