The Desmond Ridder era in Atlanta was quick and unmemorable, ending earlier this week when it was announced the Falcons traded him to the Cardinals for Rondale Moore.
Honestly, it was fairly shocking they were even able to get something of note for Ridder’s services, following a season where he was the starting quarterback in Atlanta and cost Arthur Smith his job. Contrary to popular belief, most of the Falcons shortcomings laid at the feet of Desmond Ridder, not Arthur Smith. However, Smith is the one who put all of his eggs in Ridder’s basket, naming him the starting quarterback last offseason without any competition.
I’m not sure what Desmond Ridder showed Smith behind the scenes to convince Smith that he was ready to start in the NFL. Perhaps it was his confidence. Despite poor on-field play, his teammates consistently raved about his intangibles. There was no shortage of confidence, which he displayed soon after he was drafted when he said, “I’m not leaving until I get a Super Bowl.”
Unfortunately, Desmond Ridder will never have a chance to fulfill his promise in Atlanta. After the season he had last year, there was never going to be another opportunity for him with the Falcons. Terry Fontenot knew that, so instead of hanging on and making him a cheap backup, he dealt Ridder and allowed him to land on his feet in Arizona.
Where the Falcons turn to next behind Kirk Cousins remains to be seen. Taylor Heinicke is still on the roster, but the Falcons could cut him and save a considerable amount of money. Given Cousins is coming off a torn Achilles, perhaps they value Heinicke’s experience enough to keep him.
More must-reads: