The Denver Broncos are once again being linked to quarterback Desmond Ridder. However, this isn't the first time the two have been connected. Last year, the Broncos invited Ridder to a tryout, but he had to cancel because of a scheduling conflict.

Instead, Denver ended up signing Ian Book. Since Ridder is a free agent again, rumors are swirling that he might finally land in Denver. The buzz started on May 4, when Cody Roark of Mile High Sports suggested on X.

“Wonder if Desmond Ridder comes to throw for Broncos this week at rookie minicamp,” Roark wrote.

Ridder was recently released by the Green Bay Packers after they signed veteran Tyrod Taylor to take his place. Ridder had spent the 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders. He moved between several teams in 2025, including the Bengals and Vikings. 

Initially, the Atlanta Falcons had drafted Ridder with the 74th pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. So far, he has started 18 games in his career, winning eight of them. 

Over his three-year career, he has completed 63.6% of his passes for 4,002 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.

Since the 26-year old is looking for a new team, Denver might be the perfect place for him to start anew. 

Ridder's Fit in Broncos' QB Struggles

The Denver Broncos are facing a major challenge as they prepare for their upcoming rookie minicamp. Currently, the team has three quarterbacks under contract: starter Bo Nix, backup Jarrett Stidham, and third-stringer Sam Ehlinger. 

However, none of these players can participate in the three-day event. Nix is sidelined following surgery on his broken ankle, and league rules prohibit veterans like Stidham and Ehlinger from taking part in practices specifically reserved for first-year players.

This situation has left the Broncos without an experienced player to throw to their newly drafted rookies. Since the team did not select a quarterback in this year's draft or sign any undrafted free agents, they lack the talent necessary to run a functional practice. 

According to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, he wrote on X, “I’m told the Broncos are looking to bring in a veteran QB as a tryout player to rookie minicamp because they want a good arm to throw those 3 days to their rookies.”

Following the news that the Green Bay Packers recently released Desmond Ridder, many fans have pointed to him as the ideal solution.

Supporters believe Ridder’s athleticism and arm talent could make him more than just a temporary practice player. Some even see him as a potential upgrade over the team's current backup options. 

While some view the move strictly as a short-term tryout, others hope a strong performance could earn him a permanent spot on the roster while Nix finishes his recovery.

Read more at the Denver Broncos Community!

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Rishab Nandi