Bengals Signing Former Cincinnati Bearcats Star With Training Camp Looming

Wow.

Nov 3, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — Former Bearcats star quarterback Desmond Ridder is coming home.

Ridder has agreed to a one-year contract with the Bengals according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Ridder, a former third round pick, has started 18 career games. He gives the Bengals an experienced backup behind Joe Burrow and Jake Browning.

Fun Fact

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor recruited Ridder to the University of Cincinnati when he was the Bearcats offensive coordinator. Taylor was the one that offered Ridder a scholarship.

He went on to lead the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff and became one of the most successful quarterbacks in Cincinnati's history.

Now Ridder and Taylor reunite with Bengals training camp set to start on Wednesday, July 23. Look for the former Bearcats star to compete with Logan Woodside to be the third quarterback on the team.

NFL Draft

The Falcons selected Ridder in the third round (74th overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons in Atlanta.

The Falcons traded Ridder to the Cardinals after signing Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Ridder was cut in training camp, before ultimately joining the Raiders. He appeared in six games, making one start for Las Vegas last season. Ridder played against the Bengals in Week 9, completing 11-of-16 passes for 74 yards and one touchdown. The Bengals won the game 41-24.

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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