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Denver Broncos’ Quarterback Search Takes Twist as Desmond Ridder Withdraws from Minicamp

NFL access_alarms2025-05-10 10:19:01 visibility7 text_decrease title text_increase

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Unexpected Roster Shuffle at Broncos Camp

The Denver Broncos’ plans to add quarterback depth hit a snag this week when Desmond Ridder abruptly withdrew from a veteran tryout at the team’s rookie minicamp. The former Atlanta Falcons starter and New Orleans Saints practice squad member had been scheduled to compete for a backup role behind rookie sensation Bo Nix, according to reports from Denver Sports Today.

Why Ridder’s Exit Matters

Developmental Quarterback History: A 2022 third-round pick with 17 career starts
Current Broncos QB Room: Features Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Sam Ehlinger
Financial Strategy: Denver holds $37–48 million in projected 2025 cap space

The Broncos quickly pivoted to sign Ian Book, a 2021 Saints fourth-round pick who previously worked with head coach Sean Payton in New Orleans.

Broncos' QB Auditions and Saints Ties: The Desmond Ridder Saga Unfolds

Inside Denver’s Quarterback Strategy

The Nix Factor

After Nix’s impressive rookie campaign (3,800+ yards, 28 TDs), Denver aims to protect their investment. The team seeks a low-cost veteran backup who can:

Mentor the young starter
Run similar offensive schemes
Provide emergency depth

Financial Flexibility Play

With critical contract extensions looming for stars like Pat Surtain II, the Broncos opted for Book’s minimum salary deal over Ridder. This move:

Preserves cap space
Allows roster flexibility
Keeps options open for late-summer signings

Desmond Ridder’s Career Crossroads

Rocky NFL Journey

Season	Team	Stats	Outcome
2022	Falcons	4 starts, 63.2 QBR	Traded to Cardinals
2023	Cardinals	Practice squad	Released
2024	Raiders	52/85 passes, 2 TDs	Non-tendered RFA

What’s Holding Him Back?

Scouts acknowledge Ridder’s physical tools (4.52 40-yard dash, 36-inch vertical) but highlight concerns:

Pocket awareness: 23 sacks in 12 starts
Accuracy issues: 58% completion under pressure
Decision-making: 1:1 TD-to-INT ratio

At 25 years old, Ridder now faces a critical training camp to prove he belongs as a backup rather than a practice squad journeyman.

Saints Connections & Future Implications

Payton’s Reclamation Projects

Coach Payton has successfully revived quarterbacks like Taysom Hill and Teddy Bridgewater, but Book faces steep competition:

Nix: Franchise cornerstone
Stidham: $7 million guaranteed
Ehlinger: Special teams versatility

New Orleans’ Quarterback Outlook

The Saints’ 2025 plans suggest no Ridder reunion:

Derek Carr: Restructured through 2026
Tyler Shough: 2nd-round dual-threat rookie
Jake Haener: Promising 2023 draft pick

What’s Next for Denver?

The Broncos will likely:

Evaluate Book during OTAs
Monitor summer roster cuts
Revisit Ridder talks if injuries occur

For Ridder, opportunities may emerge with quarterback-needy teams like Seattle or Las Vegas, but his window to secure an NFL future is narrowing rapidly.