NFL Rumors: Falcons' Desmond Ridder Traded to Cardinals After Kirk Cousins Contract

The Atlanta Falcons are trading third-year quarterback Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals for receiver Rondale Moore, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported the Falcons expected to trade the signal-caller. This comes after the team confirmed Wednesday it signed Kirk Cousins to be its new starting QB.

Regarding Ridder, the cost to acquire the 2022 third-round pick figured to be minimal.

Mac Jones was a Pro Bowler in 2021 and all the New England Patriots could fetch in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars was a sixth-rounder. The rumors surrounding Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields have been nonexistent as well.

In the case of both players, their sizable fifth-year options undoubtedly diminished their trade values. Ridder, by contrast, counts for $1.5 million against the salary cap in 2024 and just $1.7 million in 2025, per Spotrac.

Still, it's tough to envision any suitors being willing to give up much for a signal-caller who was benched for Taylor Heinicke midway through the 2023 season.

At 24, Ridder might theoretically still have some upside, but there's a reason the Falcons were so aggressive in pursuing Cousins, reportedly giving him $100 million guaranteed on a four-year contract.

In 19 appearances, Ridder has thrown for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His 40.1 QBR last year ranked 26th among qualified passers, per ESPN.com.

The Cardinals might as well take a flier because they already have a settled starter (Kyler Murray) without much depth behind him. In the event Murray goes down with another injury, they'd likely trust Ridder to run the offense more than they would Clayton Tune.

The Falcons are in a similar position with Moore, who has shown some flashes but failed to live up to expectations to this point in his career. The 2021 second-round pick has 1,450 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns in 39 games.

Atlanta has Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts at the skill positions. Maybe Moore can provide a different dimension out of the slot.

If not, Cousins should have plenty of talent around him to thrive in his first season with the team.