4 Things Desmond Ridder must do to stay Atlanta Falcons starting QB
By Nick Halden
Despite the Atlanta Falcons being a speculated destination for Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Jackson, or Derek Carr at different points this off-season their best path forward remains Desmond Ridder. Without a clear and reasonably priced upgrade in free agency, the Falcons are left with the decision of drafting or trading for a quarterback.
The cost of trade should take that option off the table unless the price drops drastically. With C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young both likely off the board before Atlanta’s number is called that leaves little reason to believe the team will or should draft a quarterback early on.
Desmond Ridder showed growth in each of his four starts and was able to give Atlanta reason to believe that will continue with an improved roster and a full off-season as the starter.
For Ridder to keep the job, however, there are basic benchmarks the quarterback should have to meet to keep the starting job both during the 2023 season and beyond. Starting with putting Atlanta back into the conversation of contending teams.