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Ex-Falcons QB Desmond Ridder must find a new NFL home
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- Ex-Falcons QB Desmond Ridder must find a new NFL home
After a whirlwind 2024 campaign, it appears former Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder will be searching for a new home yet again in 2025. According to a report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Las Vegas Raiders informed Ridder that they won't tender him as a restricted free agent.
Even though the Raiders are in the market for a quarterback and struck out on Matthew Stafford , the move doesn't come as a total surprise since they already have Aidan O'Connell under contract. The team will likely add a more experienced quarterback, such as Kirk Cousins , or target one in the 2025 NFL draft.
Ridder, 25, was traded from Atlanta to Arizona after the Falcons signed Cousins last offseason. The former third-round pick out of Cincinnati was cut by the Cardinals at the 53-man roster deadline but landed on the practice squad. The Raiders eventually signed Ridder out of necessity after injuries began to pile up at the quarterback position.
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In 2024, Ridder passed for 458 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in six games. His lone start came against the Falcons on "Monday Night Football" in Week 15. Ridder nearly led the Raiders on a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter but came up just short as Atlanta held on for a 15-9 win . After the game, the Falcons benched starting quarterback Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr.
While Ridder probably won't start for a team next season, there should be a handful of franchises interested in signing him as a backup. In 25 career games, Ridder has passed for 4,002 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Cousins will also likely be playing elsewhere next season, whether he's traded or released by the Falcons. Check out our list of potential landing spots for Cousins in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Ex-Falcons QB Desmond Ridder headed for free agency in 2025
