Who Should I Start? Bailey Zappe or Desmond Ridder

Thursday, August 28, 9:59 AM

The Cleveland Browns brought back quarterback Bailey Zappe with a spot on their practice squad, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The fourth-year pro appeared in one game for Cleveland last season, but failed to latch on with Kansas City after training camp and was waived. Cleveland, which traded Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas earlier this week, will keep quarterbacks Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel on its 53-man roster. Zappe, who had his moments as a rookie in New England, is way off the fantasy radar at this point.

Tuesday, September 16, 5:09 PM

The Minnesota Vikings signed free-agent quarterback Desmond Ridder to their 53-man roster on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Vikings need some depth at the QB position with J.J. McCarthy out two to four weeks after suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Sunday night loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With McCarthy out for Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and possibly beyond, veteran Carson Wentz will step into starting duties under center for Minnesota, with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer serving as his backup. Given Brosmer's lack of experience in the NFL, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ridder be elevated to the No. 2 role sooner than later once he learns the offense. Ridder, a third-round pick in 2022 by the Falcons, quickly wore out his welcome in Atlanta and spent last year as the backup for the Las Vegas Raiders.