Desmond Ridder Returns Home as Bengals Reshape QB Room
Alright, here’s a headline that’s grabbing attention across the NFL — Desmond Ridder is officially coming back to where it all began. The Cincinnati Bengals are signing the former University of Cincinnati standout quarterback, and this feels like more than just a routine roster move — it’s a homecoming, a fresh chance, and maybe even a quiet spark of redemption.
Now let’s break this down. Ridder, who was originally drafted in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons back in 2022, had a bit of a rollercoaster start to his pro career. After two seasons with Atlanta, where he saw action as a starter, things didn’t quite click the way they were hoped. He bounced around with backup stints in Arizona and most recently with the Las Vegas Raiders, but it never felt like the right fit. Until now.
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What’s significant here is that this move isn’t just about adding another name to the Bengals’ depth chart. This is Ridder coming full circle — back to the city where he built his college legacy and helped lead the Bearcats to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2021. That playoff run was a milestone not just for Cincinnati, but for Group of Five programs in general. And Ridder was the face of that charge.
With Joe Burrow firmly entrenched as the franchise quarterback, there’s no illusion here that Ridder is coming in to challenge for the QB1 role. But let’s not overlook what this signing represents. The Bengals are looking to solidify their quarterback room ahead of training camp. They’ve got Jake Browning and Payton Thorne, and they just released Logan Woodside. Bringing in Ridder adds experience and familiarity — not just with the city, but with the head coach. Zac Taylor has history with Ridder going back to his Bearcat days, which makes this signing even more strategic.
And from Ridder’s perspective? It’s a shot at stability. He’s played in 25 career games, with 18 starts, throwing for over 4,000 yards and tallying 16 touchdowns along the way. Sure, his NFL record isn’t glowing — 8 wins, 10 losses — but let’s be real, quarterbacks often need the right system, the right coaching, and the right timing to succeed. Cincinnati just might be that place.
From college hero to NFL journeyman — and now back to where it all started — Desmond Ridder’s return to Cincinnati isn’t just a transaction. It’s a story still being written.
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