The Minnesota Vikings made a short-term move at quarterback last week, signing Desmond Ridder to their practice squad after rookie starter J.J. McCarthy entered the NFL's concussion protocol. But Ridder’s stint in purple didn’t last long - the team released the 26-year-old quarterback on Tuesday, marking his fifth stop in the league and his second this season after a brief run with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ridder’s NFL journey has taken some unexpected turns. Earlier this year, he backed out of a tryout with the Denver Broncos - a decision that raised some eyebrows.
At the time, Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that Ridder was “possibly thinking about what he wants to do with his career.” Whatever internal conversations Ridder had, he eventually chose to stay in the game, embracing a QB3 role in Minnesota.
Now, he’s back on the market, looking for his next opportunity.
For quarterbacks like Ridder, the path isn’t always linear. A former starter in Atlanta, he’s now navigating the league as a depth option, trying to stay ready for when - not if - another team needs a capable arm in a pinch. His release doesn’t necessarily close the door on his season, but it does speak to the fluid nature of NFL rosters in December, especially at the most scrutinized position in the sport.
Elsewhere, a few former Broncos are finding new homes. The Los Angeles Chargers added running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad, giving them a veteran presence in the backfield as they look to stabilize their run game. The New Orleans Saints picked up wide receiver Samori Toure, while the Los Angeles Rams signed tight end Nick Vannett - both moves that add depth and experience as teams gear up for the final stretch of the regular season.
Meanwhile, the Broncos - still very much in the playoff hunt - are turning their attention to a key AFC West matchup on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14. It’s a rivalry game with postseason implications, and Denver’s roster shuffling over the past few weeks shows they’re not leaving anything to chance.