Desmon Ridder, the Atlanta Falcons’ 2022 third-round pick who started 17 games in two seasons, was signed off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad by the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, according to multiple reports.

The 24-year-old Ridder was at his best in Atlanta last season in 13 starts, completing 64.2 percent of his passes for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

He started the first eight games before entering the concussion protocol at halftime of Week 8.

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Backup Taylor Heinicke had an impressive second half in relief starting the next two weeks, but Ridder led a go-ahead touchdown drive in the fourth quarter of Week 10 after Heinicke left with a hamstring injury.

Then-Falcons coach Arthur Smith returned to Ridder after the Week 11 bye, but the second-year pro lasted just four starts before being benched again, this time after a backbreaking fourth-quarter interception in a 9-7 road loss against the then -one win Carolina Panthers.

Heinicke started the next two games, but missed the season finale with an ankle injury, returning Ridder to the starting lineup. Atlanta did not score in the second half en route to a 48–17 loss, and Smith lost his job later that night.

The Falcons lost Ridder’s last three starts, and owner Arthur Blank called his team’s quarterback play “flawed” the day after firing Smith.

Ridder was shipped to the Arizona Cardinals shortly after the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins ​​as a free agent. In exchange for Ridder, the Falcons acquired receiver Rondale Moore, who suffered a knee injury on August 7 during joint practices with the Miami Dolphins.

Ridder was cut by the Cardinals during the final roster move on August 27 and has been on the practice squad ever since. Since he wasn’t on the Cardinals’ active roster, the Raiders were able to sign him directly to their 53-man roster.

The Raiders have quarterback issues of their own (obviously) and brought in Ridder to compete with veteran Gardner Minshew after Aidan O’Connell went on the injured list this week.

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