The Cincinnati Bengals sign QB Desmond Ridder in July 2025. The former UC star returns to back up Joe Burrow, adding key depth for the 2024 NFL season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
In a move that feels like a homecoming, the Cincinnati Bengals have officially brought a local legend back to the Queen City. On Sunday, the team signed former University of Cincinnati Bearcats star quarterback Desmond Ridder to a one-year deal. Ridder, who confirmed the news himself on Instagram to a wave of fan excitement, is set to compete for the backup role behind franchise cornerstone Joe Burrow.
It's not just a signing; it's a homecoming. Desmond Ridder is back where his star first shined.
It's a full-circle moment for Desmond Ridder. After leading the Bearcats to unprecedented heights and a College Football Playoff berth, he now returns to the city that cheered him on every Saturday. Following a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he wore #10, Ridder's signing with the Bengals provides a veteran presence and a feel-good story. The one-year contract is a strategic depth addition, giving the team an experienced arm to support Joe Burrow as they gear up for a season with championship-or-bust expectations.
The importance of a reliable backup quarterback cannot be overstated, and the Bengals' front office clearly agrees. Bringing in Ridder provides immediate, experienced competition for the QB2 position. His familiarity with the city and the pressure of playing in a passionate football town is an intangible asset. This move ensures that if the unthinkable happens, the Bengals have a capable player ready to step in, a crucial insurance policy for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
This signing is another piece of the puzzle for a team already positioned as a top contender. Coming off a 10-7 season, the Bengals' offense was a force, averaging over 27 points per game. Joe Burrow was surgical, completing 69.2% of his passes for 36 touchdowns. The defense held its own, and the team finished with an even turnover differential. These numbers paint a picture of a well-rounded, dangerous team, and adding a solid backup like Ridder only strengthens their profile as they prepare to make a run in the AFC North.
With the quarterback room now solidified, all eyes turn to the start of training camp. The battle for the QB2 spot will be a key storyline to watch, but for now, Cincinnati can celebrate a smart signing and a welcome homecoming. The road to the Super Bowl is long, but moves like this strengthen the foundation for the journey, which officially kicks off against the Cleveland Browns on September 7th. Who Dey!
