In a move to strengthen their quarterback depth, the Las Vegas Raiders have signed Desmond Ridder from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad.
The signing comes as the Raiders look to shore up their roster following injuries and inconsistency at the quarterback position.
Ridder, a former third-round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, gained attention for his leadership and athleticism during his college career at Cincinnati.
He led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff in 2021, becoming a top prospect with a solid combination of arm talent and mobility.
Though he showed flashes of potential in limited NFL action, he struggled to secure a starting role and was eventually released by the Falcons before joining the Cardinals’ practice squad.
The Raiders’ decision to bring Ridder into the fold reflects a forward-thinking approach as the team looks to inject young talent into its quarterback room.
Ridder’s dual-threat capabilities could offer the Raiders more options, especially if they choose to design plays that utilize his athleticism outside of the pocket.
With Las Vegas currently navigating a tumultuous season, head coach Josh McDaniels hopes that Ridder’s addition will add competition and provide a potential long-term solution at the quarterback position.
While Ridder is expected to serve as a backup for now, his development in the Raiders’ system could open opportunities for him to contribute down the line.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Ridder adjusts to his new team and whether he can make a meaningful impact in Las Vegas.
For the Raiders, this signing signals that the team is not only focused on the present but also laying the groundwork for the future.
Ridder’s signing also leaves a hole in Arizona’s practice squad, forcing the Cardinals to make adjustments of their own.
However, for Las Vegas, Ridder represents a calculated risk that could pay off, especially if his potential begins to translate into on-field production.
Fans will be keeping a close eye on Ridder as he gets acclimated to the Raiders’ playbook and begins working with the coaching staff.
With this move, Las Vegas continues its search for consistency at the most important position on the field.
