Who Should I Start? Kendrick Bourne or Desmond Ridder

Sunday, March 10, 9:22 PM

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne agreed to a new deal to remain in New England. The contract is for three years, and he'll be eligible to earn up to $33 million. The 28-year-old amassed 406 yards and four touchdowns off 37 catches last season. However, despite appearing on track for a career year, Bourne suffered a torn ACL during the AFC East battle with the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. Fortunately, he should be ready to go for the 2024-25 campaign. But with a new head coach in the equation and Mac Jones out of the picture, Bourne could have a tough time finding his rhythm. His knee injury is also something fantasy managers should keep in the back of their heads. Yet, while reaching for him during fantasy drafts heading into the new season isn't recommended, he's worth grabbing if he's available later than expected.

Thursday, March 14, 1:30 PM

The Arizona Cardinals are acquiring former starting quarterback Desmond Ridder from the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, according to a source. Ridder squandered his chance as the full-time starter for the Falcons in 2023 by throwing for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 15 games (13 starts), eventually being benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke. The former third-round pick out of Cincinnati has also lost nine fumbles in 19 games (17 starts) in his two NFL seasons. Atlanta's signing of Kirk Cousins made Ridder expendable, and he'll now make for a solid backup option in Arizona for starter Kyler Murray. The 24-year-old obviously won't be on the fantasy radar in single-year leagues in 2024 now that he's firmly entrenched in a backup role.