Who Should I Start? Desmond Ridder or Stetson Bennett IV

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.

Saturday, August 16, 11:34 PM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett IV completed 28 of his 40 pass attempts for 324 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception during Saturday's preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He also took a sack and rushed for four yards. Bennett led four successful scoring drives, including a game-winning touchdown drive that put the Rams ahead with just 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter. He has played the entirety of the Rams' first two preseason games, totaling five touchdowns and just one interception. He has a firm grasp on the third-string quarterback role behind Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo, and given that both of those players are older veterans who could be near the ends of their careers, Bennett's strong preseason could bode well as he auditions for a larger role in the future.