Former Raiders quarterback returns to place of former glory

Desmond Ridder is leaving the Las Vegas Raiders for more familiar pastures.

On Sunday, Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network confirmed that the quarterback has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincinnati fans are already familiar with Ridder from his exploits with the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. In 2021, Ridder broke out by throwing for 3,334 yards and 30 touchdowns to lead the Bearcats to an undefeated season. Cincinnati became the first Group of Five team to make the College Football Playoff, and Ridder parlayed his season into becoming a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.

Current Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was the Bearcats’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during Ridder’s recruitment, so he knows how the quarterback would fit in his scheme.

Ridder came to Las Vegas from the Arizona Cardinals, and he was forced into action after injuries took hold. He played in six games, as well as starting against his former team in the Falcons late last season. Ridder would throw for 458 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions last season with the Raiders.

Ridder will enter the Bengals’ quarterback room fighting for a roster spot. Joe Burrow and Jake Browning are locks, leaving Ridder to compete with Logan Woodside and rookie Payton Thorne to slot behind them in the depth chart.

Ridder gets a fresh start on his career, while the Raiders continue to remake their quarterback room.