Desmond Ridder's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is expected to be traded now that the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, according to sources. The Falcons have been discussing a deal with other teams, but nothing is in place yet. The 24-year-old third-round pick in 2022 out of Cincinnati lost the starting gig to Taylor Heinicke last year and finished with a 64.2 completion percentage, 2,836 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 15 games (13 starts). In his 17 NFL starts over two seasons, Ridder hasn't looked like a starter, throwing 14 TDs and 12 interceptions with 7.0 yards per attempt. He's also lost nine fumbles. At best, Ridder could land with a team like the Denver Broncos that would give him a chance to compete for a starting role in 2024. Clearly, Ridder's fantasy stock in dynasty/keeper leagues has taken a big hit after his disappointing 2023 campaign.

The Atlanta Falcons finished 21st in the NFL in 2023 in EPA per dropback with quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder, according to TruMedia. Only six teams threw more than Atlanta's 17 interceptions, and Ridder added 12 lost fumbles. The Falcons appear to be just a quarterback away from being true contenders, and the team is primed to search for an upgrade over Heinicke and Ridder in 2024, either through the draft, free agency or the trade market under new head coach Raheem Morris. Depending on the signal-caller that the Falcons add this offseason, their offense should be expected to be much more aggressive under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, which should benefit key offensive pieces such as running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and receiver Drake London.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has struggled throughout most of the season, but ended his 2023 campaign with a bang. The young signal-caller completed 22-of-30 passing attempts for 291 yards with two touchdowns and one interception during the Week 18 loss to the New Orleans Saints. It was a nice finish to the season for Ridder, but it probably wasn't enough to save his job in Atlanta. This season, Ridder threw for 2,836 yards with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was benched on two separate occasions for backup Taylor Heinicke. The expectation is that the Falcons add to their quarterback room this offseason and move on from Ridder. Regardless, he won't be much of a fantasy option on any team heading into 2024.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 18 versus the New Orleans Saints. He had been listed as questionable and was optimistic about his availability, but it appears that he wasn't quite healthy enough to play. In his absence, Desmond Ridder will return to the starting quarterback role. The 24-year-old has appeared in 14 games this season, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,545 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also has 193 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 31 sacks, and six lost fumbles. Fantasy managers should view Ridder as a fringe QB2 option heading into Sunday's contest.