One of the first moves the Atlanta Falcons made when head coach Raheem Morris took over was parting ways with Desmond Ridder. Trading the quarterback signaled a page turn at a position that had cost the Falcons a playoff spot. Morris talked about this in his opening presser, being respectful of Arthur Smith, noting that he wouldn't be the new head coach if the position had been anything close to productive.
Much of this blame belongs on the shoulders of Ridder, who had all of the needed talent and none of the needed mental game to play at this level.
Since leaving Atlanta, the quarterback has made stops with the Cardinals and Raiders before hitting free agency. Recently, the former Falcon attempted to continue his career working with the Colts in minicamp on a tryout basis. Things have quickly gone downhill for a player who, only two seasons ago, was being sold as the next franchise quarterback in Atlanta.
Former Falcons QB Desmond Ridder Continues Free Agency Search
This made sense only if Ridder was able to be an elite game manager. While the quarterback doesn't have an incredible arm or an elite scrambling ability, the former starter has all of the needed tools except the most important one. Ridder's ability to read the field and make decisions is always seconds behind. This set up so many frustrating turnovers and endless lowlight reels for a player who badly wanted to find the right answers.
Ridder took accountability and said all of the right things when struggling for Atlanta. However, this didn't change the results that made it clear the QB didn't have any future as a starter in this league. This was further illustrated by a late-season start against the Falcons in the 2024 season with the Raiders. The quarterback remained behind the rest of the field, appearing to make decisions in slow motion.
All of this has added up to the quarterback remaining a free agent and unable to find a new landing spot. Falcons fans wouldn't be surprised if this is the end of the road for a player who simply isn't getting the job done when given opportunities as a backup or starter. Ridder's time in the league might be at an end.