The Cincinnati Bengals sign QB Desmond Ridder on July 21, 2025. The hometown hero joins Joe Burrow and Jake Browning for a compelling training camp battle.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just as the buzz for training camp reaches a fever pitch, the Cincinnati Bengals dropped a bombshell that hits right at home. Former University of Cincinnati legend Desmond Ridder is returning to the Queen City, signing a deal to compete for a roster spot ahead of camp. It's a move that adds another layer of intrigue as veterans report tomorrow and fans scramble to claim their free tickets for the first practice on Wednesday.
The Bengals locked in their star wideout with a massive 4-year, $115 million extension for Tee Higgins, solidifying one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the NFL.
You couldn't write a better script. Desmond Ridder, the man who led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff, is officially a Cincinnati Bengal. After stints with the Falcons and Raiders, the former third-round pick is back where it all started, ready to compete in a QB room that includes starter Joe Burrow, established backup Jake Browning, and rookie Payton Thorne. To make space, the team released veteran Logan Woodside, signaling a desire to add more competitive depth. While Browning's QB2 spot seems secure, Ridder's experience—25 NFL games and 13 starts—makes this a fascinating battle to watch throughout August.
It's the moment we've all been waiting for. The Bengals announced that training camp tickets are now available exclusively through the team app. Fans can claim free tickets for an exclusive practice, getting a first-hand look at the 2025 squad. With veterans reporting on Tuesday and the first practice scheduled for Wednesday, the air is thick with anticipation. It’s your first chance to see Joe Burrow sling it to his arsenal of weapons and get a glimpse of the new faces on defense.
This offseason was all about keeping the championship window wide open, and the front office delivered. The biggest move was securing Tee Higgins with a massive four-year, $115 million deal, ensuring the 1-2 punch of Chase and Higgins remains intact. They also brought back tight end Mike Gesicki on a three-year, $25.5 million contract and shored up the line by re-signing Cody Ford. Add in emerging stars like Andrei Iosivas and Chase Brown, and you have a skill group that analysts are rightfully calling one of the league's best. While the team said goodbye to role players like Khalil Herbert and Akeem Davis-Gaither, the core of this explosive offense is back and ready to light up scoreboards.
While most of the roster is set, there's a minor storyline brewing around first-round pick Shemar Stewart. Whispers have emerged that the rookie defensive end might be considering a return to college, a rare but not unheard-of leverage play. However, fans shouldn't panic. This is often part of the negotiation process for high draft picks, and all expectations are that the Bengals will get a deal done and have their prized pass rusher on the field for camp. It's just a little bit of extra drama as we head into the preseason.
With a hometown hero joining the quarterback battle, fans flocking back to practice, and an offense armed to the teeth, the 2025 season feels different. The foundation is set, the key players are paid, and the journey back to the top of the AFC North (where they sit at 0-0) begins now. Keep your eyes on the Ridder-Browning dynamic, the development of the rookies, and get ready for the preseason opener against the Eagles. Football is back in Cincinnati.
