Former Falcons QB signs with Minnesota Vikings' practice squad

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is signing with the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Ridder signed with the Vikings earlier this season but was waived after quarterback J.J. McCarthy returned from an ankle sprain.

Since McCarthy is expected to miss more time due to a concussion, Ridder is back in Minnesota. The former third-round pick has bounced around quite a bit over the last two years. The Falcons traded Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals after signing Kirk Cousins in 2024.

Ridder was later signed by the Las Vegas Raiders, appearing in six games and passing for 458 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The former Cincinnati standout was signed by the Bengals in the offseason but was released at the 53-man roster deadline.

Ridder spent two seasons with the Falcons under former head coach Arthur Smith. After sitting out for most of his rookie year, Ridder started the final six games of the 2022 season. He entered the 2023 season as Atlanta's starting quarterback but struggled with turnovers and eventually lost his job.

Over his two years in Atlanta, Ridder passed for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and 12 fumbles. Considering he's still just 26 years old, perhaps Ridder can get his career back on track under Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.

The Falcons have quarterback issues of their own. Michael Penix Jr. is out for the year with a torn ACL and Kirk Cousins has been a disappointment after signing a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in free agency. Penix had reconstruction surgery on his knee and will hopefully be back healthy in time for the 2026 season.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Former Falcons QB Desmond Ridder signed by Minnesota Vikings