The Arizona Cardinals are acquiring former starting quarterback Desmond Ridder from the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, according to a source. Ridder squandered his chance as the full-time starter for the Falcons in 2023 by throwing for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 15 games (13 starts), eventually being benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke. The former third-round pick out of Cincinnati has also lost nine fumbles in 19 games (17 starts) in his two NFL seasons. Atlanta's signing of Kirk Cousins made Ridder expendable, and he'll now make for a solid backup option in Arizona for starter Kyler Murray. The 24-year-old obviously won't be on the fantasy radar in single-year leagues in 2024 now that he's firmly entrenched in a backup role.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is expected to be traded now that the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, according to sources. The Falcons have been discussing a deal with other teams, but nothing is in place yet. The 24-year-old third-round pick in 2022 out of Cincinnati lost the starting gig to Taylor Heinicke last year and finished with a 64.2 completion percentage, 2,836 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 15 games (13 starts). In his 17 NFL starts over two seasons, Ridder hasn't looked like a starter, throwing 14 TDs and 12 interceptions with 7.0 yards per attempt. He's also lost nine fumbles. At best, Ridder could land with a team like the Denver Broncos that would give him a chance to compete for a starting role in 2024. Clearly, Ridder's fantasy stock in dynasty/keeper leagues has taken a big hit after his disappointing 2023 campaign.
Falcons Seeking Upgrade Over Taylor Heinicke, Desmond Ridder
The Atlanta Falcons finished 21st in the NFL in 2023 in EPA per dropback with quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder, according to TruMedia. Only six teams threw more than Atlanta's 17 interceptions, and Ridder added 12 lost fumbles. The Falcons appear to be just a quarterback away from being true contenders, and the team is primed to search for an upgrade over Heinicke and Ridder in 2024, either through the draft, free agency or the trade market under new head coach Raheem Morris. Depending on the signal-caller that the Falcons add this offseason, their offense should be expected to be much more aggressive under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, which should benefit key offensive pieces such as running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and receiver Drake London.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has struggled throughout most of the season, but ended his 2023 campaign with a bang. The young signal-caller completed 22-of-30 passing attempts for 291 yards with two touchdowns and one interception during the Week 18 loss to the New Orleans Saints. It was a nice finish to the season for Ridder, but it probably wasn't enough to save his job in Atlanta. This season, Ridder threw for 2,836 yards with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was benched on two separate occasions for backup Taylor Heinicke. The expectation is that the Falcons add to their quarterback room this offseason and move on from Ridder. Regardless, he won't be much of a fantasy option on any team heading into 2024.
Taylor Heinicke Inactive, Desmond Ridder To Start Sunday
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 18 versus the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable and was optimistic about his availability, but it appears that he wasn't quite healthy enough to play. In his absence, Desmond Ridder will return to the starting quarterback role. The 24-year-old has appeared in 14 games this season, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,545 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also has 193 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 31 sacks, and six lost fumbles. Fantasy managers should view Ridder as a fringe QB2 option heading into Sunday's contest.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is being benched for Taylor Heinicke for the second time this year, likely signaling an end for him as the starter long-term in Atlanta. Dating back to 2022, Ridder has started 16 games, going 8-8 while completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 3,236 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He's under contract for the next two seasons and should make for a solid option in a backup role if that's a role he's willing to take Given the state of the team at 6-8 right now, it's hard to imagine head coach Arthur Smith will give Ridder a third chance at the starting gig. However, it's also doubtful the Falcons are looking at Heinicke as the long-term answer under center. He's 12-14-1 as an NFL starter and has been marginally better than Ridder in his two starts this year.
Taylor Heinicke To Start Over Desmond Ridder In Week 16
The Atlanta Falcons announced on Tuesday that quarterback Taylor Heinicke will make the start over Desmond Ridder this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16, according to a team source. It's the second time this year Ridder has been sent to the bench, this time coming on the heels of his sixth red-zone turnover of 2023 and 16th total turnover in the loss to the Carolina Panthers. Heinicke lost both of his starts in Weeks 9 and 10 to the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals, respectively, going 29-for-53 for 323 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Atlanta, now 6-8, is turning to Heinicke to try and save their season and possibly head coach Arthur Smith's job. Among QBs with more than 50 attempts in 2023, Heinicke is 18th in EPA per dropback (.02), 30th in passer rating (84.2) and 48th in completion percentage (55.4).
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder had a tough time getting anything going against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The young signal-caller completed 12-of-20 passing attempts for 152 yards with a touchdown and one interception in the loss. Ridder looked lackluster all game long until late in the fourth quarter. He finally put together a decent drive until he an awful interception on his back foot in the red zone. After that, the Panthers drove down the field and kicked a game-winning field goal. Head coach Arthur Smith didn't commit to Ridder being the starter next week. Regardless, Ridder is barely a fantasy option for the Week 16 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder posted a 347-yard performance during last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite a nice day on paper, Ridder still made multiple mistakes with an interception and fumble in the defeat. Ridder continues to struggle with his accuracy and was lucky to get out of that game with only one interception. It won't get easier for Ridder against the Carolina Panthers defense in Week 15. A defensive unit that has allowed the fewest amount of fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Ridder will be avoidable in most fantasy formats for this week.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder came into the Week 14 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with two straight performances of under 170 passing yards. However, the young signal-caller had no issues getting yards against the Buccaneers defense on Sunday. Ridder completed 26 of 40 passing attempts for 347 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the loss. Ridder threw for nearly 350 yards but still had a tough time during this game. He nearly threw multiple interceptions and fumbled for a safety. Luckily, Ridder was bailed out by his offensive weapons in this game. He's a low-end QB2 for a matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 15.
