The Atlanta Falcons wasted no time in parting ways with Desmond Ridder, their former starting quarterback, as they traded him to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for receiver Rondale Moore on Thursday.
Ridder’s departure was hardly unexpected, given the Falcons’ high-profile signing of Kirk Cousins in free agency. Cousins inked a lucrative four-year, $180 million deal, including $100 million in guaranteed money.
As a third-round pick in 2022, Ridder’s prospects in Atlanta dwindled after failing to cement his status as the starting QB last season. With a final record of 8-9 over 17 starts, Ridder’s tenure with the Falcons came to an end.
Now, Ridder finds himself backing up Kyler Murray in Arizona.
Meanwhile, Moore adds another dimension to Cousins’ receiving arsenal, joining forces with 2022 first-round pick Drake London and free-agent acquisition Darnell Mooney. Additionally, the Falcons announced the re-signing of receiver KhaDarel Hodge to a one-year contract.
A second-round selection from Purdue in 2021, Moore aims to rejuvenate his career after a promising start. Despite a diminutive frame at 5-foot-7, Moore notched 54 receptions for 435 yards in his rookie campaign.
However, his production dipped over the following seasons, including 40 catches for 352 yards and a touchdown in the most recent campaign.
With his rookie contract entering its final year, Moore is poised to elevate his performance after tallying 135 receptions for 1,201 yards and three scores during his three-year tenure with the Cardinals.
After a standout collegiate career at Cincinnati, Ridder took the reins as Atlanta’s starter for the final four games of his rookie season. While displaying glimpses of potential, Ridder’s tenure was marred by turnovers and inconsistency, prompting then-coach Arthur Smith to turn to Taylor Heinicke in a bid to stabilize the offense.
Despite occasional flashes of brilliance — including three games with over 300 yards passing — Ridder struggled to find consistency, ending the 2023 season with as many interceptions as touchdowns (12 each) and 12 fumbles.
With Heinicke now assuming the backup role behind Cousins, Hodge returns for his third season in Atlanta after agreeing to a new contract. In another move, the Falcons re-signed offensive lineman Storm Norton to a one-year deal after he appeared in 12 games, with four starts, in the 2023 season.
