The UC legend is returning to the Queen City.
The Cincinnati Bengals are signing free agent quarterback Desmond Ridder, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero. This adds to a quarterback room that has Logan Woodside and Payton Thorne battling Jake Browning for the backup spot behind franchise star Joe Burrow.
This will be a homecoming for Ridder, who had a legendary college career with the Cincinnati Bearcats that ended with the program’s first and only College Football Playoff berth. They were actually the first Group of Five program to make the playoff while playing in the AAC at the time.
A former third-round NFL Draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons, Ridder has completed 63.6% of his career passes for 4,002 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions while starting in 18 games in the pros. He also has 293 career rushing yards with three touchdowns and an 8-10 record as a starter.
In four seasons as a college starter at UC, Ridder compiled a 42-6 record while completing 62.1% of his passes for 10,239 yards, 87 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. He also had 2,180 rushing yards and 28 scores.
Ridder played for the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2024 season. He’ll likely be competing for a practice squad spot for the Bengals unless they opt to keep three QBs on the 53-man roster.
Welcome back to Cincy!
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
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