Desmond Ridder Lands Back in Cincinnati With Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have brought back a somewhat familiar presence at quarterback by signing Desmond Ridder to vie for a depth role on their roster. Announced on Sunday, this move introduces a seasoned player to their quarterback group—someone who knows the Cincinnati region well.

Ridder, a former third-round draft selection, earned his reputation during his time at the University of Cincinnati, where he stood out as a dynamic and effective leader. While leading the Bearcats, he guided the team to a rare and memorable appearance in the College Football Playoff, demonstrating his capacity to excel and lead under intense competitive pressure.

Approaching his 26th birthday shortly before Week 1, Ridder returns to Cincinnati bringing a balanced mix of starting experience and dependable backup work. Throughout his professional career, he has taken the field as a starter in 18 games, including 13 last season in 2023. That year, he threw for 2,836 yards with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, completing 64.2 percent of his attempts—numbers that might not inspire confidence as a primary starter but are sufficient for a supporting role.

Before rejoining the Bengals, Ridder spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he further developed his skills and gained valuable NFL experience. To make room for him, Cincinnati released veteran quarterback Logan Woodside, who was in his second stint with the team and had served as the third-string quarterback last season.

With Ridder now added, the Bengals’ quarterback depth chart features starter Joe Burrow and primary backup Jake Browning, who has consistently filled that secondary role. Ridder’s presence injects additional competition and depth into the quarterback room—a welcome reinforcement given Burrow’s history with injuries. Even if Ridder never takes the field—which for Bengals fans would be the ideal scenario—the signing remains a smart move, further strengthening an already strong position.