NFL training camps are opening up around the NFL. There will be several battles happening as players are looking to land somewhere for the 2025 season.
There are several former Atlanta Falcons who have been on the open market for a while, but one of them struck a deal. According to Tom Pelissero, QB Desmond Ridder signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Former #Falcons starting QB Desmond Ridder is signing with the #Bengals, per source. Some experienced competition behind Joe Burrow. pic.twitter.com/1cbWPCTV2W
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2025
Ex-Falcons QB Desmond Ridder Signs With Bengals
In May, Ridder was slated to have a workout with the Denver Broncos, but due to a scheduling conflict, it wasn't able to happen.
Ridder was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft by Atlanta, yet he couldn't consistently produce. In 19 games with the Falcons, he went 8-9 as a starter. The Cincinnati product went 322-of-503 (64%) for 3,544 yards, 14 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
He even had a brief stint with the Raiders and Cardinals, but neither location worked out in his favor.
Now, he's on his fourth team and has a chance to stick with an uber-talented team in the AFC. Obviously, Joe Burrow is the franchise QB, and Jake Browning is the backup. During the 2023 season, he stepped in and started seven games. Browning went 4-3, completing 70% of his throws for 1,936 yards, 12 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions.
While that's the 1-2 punch in Cincinnati, Ridder will be battling UDFA Payton Thorne. After the 2025 NFL draft, he signed with the Bengals after a five-year collegiate career with Michigan State and Auburn. At those locations, he went 885-of-1442 (61.4%) for 10,961 passing yards, 86 passing scores and 43 picks.
Due to his NFL starting experience, Ridder should have the edge to beat out the rookie. Nothing is guaranteed though, as things can change with each practice session.
There's a reason he was drafted with a top 75 pick coming into the league. He has some traits that make him intriguing, but he's failed to prove it. This may be his last chance to make an NFL team, and he needs to fully capitalize.