The Raiders are not planning to place a restricted free agent tender on quarterback Desmond Ridder, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Ridder appeared in six games for the Raiders in 2024 with one start. He completed 52 of his 85 passing attempts for 458 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, resulting in a career-low 73.6 passer rating. That performance made it clear that Ridder is not a starting-caliber quarterback, but an RFA tender could have kept him in Las Vegas as an inexpensive backup.
However, the new Raiders regime has more ambitious plans for the position. In addition to moving on from Ridder, they are also expected to release Gardner Minshew as they search free agency and the draft for their next quarterback. Las Vegas has already been linked with Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson, and they are also expected to explore signing Justin Fields, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Ridder, meanwhile, will join a backup quarterback market in free agency that includes experienced veterans like Jacoby Brissett and Marcus Mariota as well as younger options like Zach Wilson and Trey Lance.
Originally a Falcons’ third-round pick in 2022, Ridder earned a starting job by the end of his rookie year. He continued as the starter for most of the 2023 season, but was deemed surplus to requirements after Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins. Ridder was then traded to the Cardinals, where he ended up on the practice squad after losing the backup quarterback battle in training camp.
The Raiders then signed Ridder off of the Cardinals’ practice squad to serve as Minshew’s backup after Aidan O’Connell landed on injured reserve. Ridder came in for Minshew after he broke his collarbone in Week 12, but O’Connell took over the starting job when he returned from IR the following week. O’Connell’s struggles in Week 14 gave Ridder a chance to finish the game under center and start in Week 15. He played the entire game, but completed less than 60% of his passes and threw two interceptions. The Raiders went back to O’Connell in Week 16, and Ridder played just three snaps for the rest of the season.
Ridder’s step back in Las Vegas will hurt his free agent stock this spring. Like last year, he may enter training camp competing for a roster spot as the No. 2 quarterback.