The Minnesota Vikings have made a surprising move that has sent ripples through the NFL, signing quarterback Desmond Ridder, recently released by the Cincinnati Bengals, to bolster their roster amid a string of injuries. With starting quarterback JJ McCarthy sidelined for an estimated two to four weeks due to an ankle sprain suffered in a 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings were desperate for depth at the quarterback position. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah turned to Ridder, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, to fill the void as the team’s third-string quarterback (QB3) behind Carson Wentz and rookie Max Brosmer.
Ridder’s signing has raised eyebrows across the league, primarily due to his underwhelming career statistics. In 18 starts across stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders, Ridder has posted a modest 8-10 record, averaging roughly 160 passing yards per game with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His propensity for turnovers and lack of elite production have made him a polarizing figure, yet the Vikings see him as a necessary insurance policy during this injury-riddled season.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1968041895768277304
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, “The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with free-agent quarterback Desmond Ridder on Tuesday, giving them a healthy third quarterback after starter JJ McCarthy was sidelined with a right ankle sprain.” The move was prompted by the team’s need for a reliable backup, as McCarthy’s injury leaves Carson Wentz as the immediate starter, with untested rookie Max Brosmer as the only other option.
Ridder’s NFL journey has been a rollercoaster. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, he showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, often relying on his mobility to escape pressure rather than making precise throws. His tenure with the Falcons (2022–2023) was followed by brief stints with the Arizona Cardinals (2024), Las Vegas Raiders (2024), and most recently, the Cincinnati Bengals (2025), where he failed to secure a roster spot after a lackluster preseason performance.
SI.com’s Russ Heltman noted, “Ridder struggled for the Bengals throughout the preseason, but he’s getting another opportunity to grow and stick in the league after being part of the historic 2022 Bearcats draft class.” Despite his challenges, Ridder’s athleticism and experience as a starter make him a valuable depth piece for a Vikings team plagued by injuries.
The Vikings’ quarterback room now consists of JJ McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer, and Desmond Ridder. McCarthy, the team’s starter, is expected to return within a month, while Wentz takes the reins in his absence. Ridder, signed to the active 53-man roster rather than the practice squad, provides flexibility as a seasoned backup. As NFL insider Tom Pelissero tweeted, “By signing Desmond Ridder to the 53-man roster, rather than the practice squad, the Vikings gain flexibility to have an experienced starter at QB2, rather than forcing undrafted rookie Max Brosmer into action if something happens to Carson Wentz.”
This decision has sparked debate among Vikings fans, many of whom have rallied behind Brosmer after his impressive preseason performances. Ridder, however, is likely to see little playing time unless further injuries strike the roster. His role is clear: a temporary safety net while McCarthy recovers.
Ridder’s career stats—16 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and an average of three rushing attempts per game—paint the picture of a quarterback who can manage games but struggles to elevate his team to the next level. His 26th birthday, celebrated just weeks ago, suggests he still has room to grow, but his journeyman status across five teams in four years raises questions about his long-term fit in the NFL.
For the Vikings, the best-case scenario is that Ridder never sees the field. A healthy Carson Wentz, combined with a swift recovery for JJ McCarthy, would allow Minnesota to lean on their primary options without relying on Ridder’s inconsistent arm. As Heltman aptly summarized, “The Vikings picked him up in the wake of starting quarterback JJ McCarthy’s injury, paving the way for Carson Wentz to start this weekend, with Ridder now serving as his backup.”
While Ridder’s signing may not inspire confidence among all Vikings fans, it reflects the team’s pragmatic approach to navigating a challenging season. With injuries piling up, Minnesota needed a veteran presence to stabilize the quarterback position, even if only for a few weeks. Ridder, for his part, has a chance to prove his worth and potentially extend his NFL career with a strong showing in practice and, if called upon, in games.
As the Vikings prepare for their upcoming matchups, all eyes will be on Carson Wentz’s performance and JJ McCarthy’s recovery timeline. For now, Desmond Ridder remains a precautionary addition—a Bengals castoff hoping to make the most of his latest opportunity in Minneapolis.