Who Should I Start? Desmond Ridder or Anthony Richardson

Friday, February 28, 5:22 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders informed quarterback Desmond Ridder that they will not tender him an offer as a restricted free agent this offseason, a source tells NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Ridder will now hit the open market next month after playing in six games (one start) in his lone season for the Raiders in 2024. He went 52-for-85 for 458 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions as a backup in Vegas. The 25-year-old former third-round selection (74th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022 out of the University of Cincinnati appeared in 19 games (17 starts) in his first two years in the NFL in Atlanta before the Falcons moved on. Ridder briefly latched on as a backup option with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Raiders this past season. He has plenty of starting experience since entering the league, but Ridder will just be hoping for a chance to earn a backup gig somewhere else in 2025.

Tuesday, March 11, 12:27 PM

The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for an open quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson, who is healthy and has no plans to seek a trade, and Daniel Jones, agent Deiric Jackson told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. "AR will be ready to roll," Jackson said. The plan all along was for the Colts to bring another QB in to compete with Richardson, who missed time with another injury in 2024 and was also benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco. Jones will be that guy after inking a one-year, $14 million deal with Indy after he was cut by the New York Giants a season ago. The 27-year-old latched on with the Minnesota Vikings late in the year but never played. As long as Richardson stays healthy, it would be an upset if Jones won the job over him, but Richardson definitely needs to show improvement as a passer to take the next step. If Richardson wins the job, he'll have QB1 upside because of his rushing prowess.