Desmond Ridder, the former starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, has been waived by the Arizona Cardinals as they finalized their 53-man roster. Despite a preseason where he showed potential, Ridder was outperformed by Clayton Tune, who secured the backup quarterback position behind Kyler Murray. This move marks another setback in Ridder's career, which has been marred by inconsistent performances and turnovers.
In a surprising turn of events, the Arizona Cardinals have decided to waive quarterback Desmond Ridder just months after acquiring him in a trade from the Atlanta Falcons. Ridder, who had a challenging stint with the Falcons, was competing for the backup role behind Kyler Murray but ultimately lost out to Clayton Tune. This decision underscores the volatile nature of NFL careers and highlights the intense competition for roster spots.
Desmond Ridder's time with the Arizona Cardinals was short-lived. Acquired in an offseason trade, Ridder was expected to compete for the backup quarterback position. Throughout the preseason, he completed 20 of 35 pass attempts for 225 yards. However, his performance was not enough to secure his spot, especially compared to Clayton Tune, who completed 35 of 52 passes for 361 yards. The Cardinals' decision to waive Ridder reflects his ongoing struggles with consistency and decision-making, which were also issues during his tenure with the Falcons.
The competition for the backup quarterback role was intense between Desmond Ridder and Clayton Tune. Tune, showing significant improvement and better control during the preseason games, ultimately outperformed Ridder. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure was a key factor in the Cardinals' decision. The team's choice to prioritize performance over past reputation or potential highlights the critical nature of preseason performances in determining players' fates on the roster.
Following his release from the Cardinals, the future is uncertain for Desmond Ridder. His journey in the NFL has been challenging, marked by brief highs and notable lows. As a player with a third-round draft pedigree and some successful moments, Ridder may find opportunities with other teams seeking depth in their quarterback lineup. His next steps will be crucial in determining the trajectory of his professional football career.
Desmond Ridder's release from the Arizona Cardinals marks another chapter in his tumultuous NFL career. While this setback is significant, it also presents Ridder with an opportunity to reassess and potentially rejuvenate his career elsewhere. For the Cardinals, moving forward with Clayton Tune as the backup quarterback underscores their commitment to building a reliable and effective team.
"Ridder was benched twice by former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, in part because of his decision-making and issues with ball security." - Arthur Smith