The Cincinnati Bengals are bringing in some seasoned talent and competition for their quarterback position by signing former third-round pick Desmond Ridder to back up Joe Burrow. This move follows the release of quarterback Logan Woodside.

Ridder was recruited to the University of Cincinnati under Bengals coach Zac Taylor, who was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2016 season. Ridder proved himself to be one of the standout quarterbacks in the Cincinnati program’s history, earning the title of AAC Offensive Player of the Year consecutively for two seasons.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, Ridder was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 74th pick overall. Over his two seasons with Atlanta, he posted a record of 8-9 as a starter, amassing 3,544 passing yards, along with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was later traded to the Arizona Cardinals last off-season in exchange for wide receiver Rondale Moore.

Although Ridder did not make an appearance for the Cardinals, the Las Vegas Raiders signed him during the previous October from Arizona’s practice squad. He participated in six games last season, mainly due to injuries to other quarterbacks. In total for the season, Ridder completed 61.2% of his passes, accumulating 458 yards along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He lost his single start against the Falcons in Week 15, where he threw for 208 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

Now, Ridder is set to join a quarterback roster that features Burrow, alongside Jake Browning and undrafted free agent Payton Thorne from Auburn.