In a blockbuster NFL trade, the Atlanta Falcons have sent former starting quarterback Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for wide receiver Rondale Moore. This deal comes just one day after the Falcons signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to take over as their new starter under center.
The move signals the Falcons are turning the page at the quarterback position after Ridder’s turbulent tenure as the team’s signal-caller. The 2022 third-round pick started 17 games over the last two seasons but struggled with turnovers, tossing 12 interceptions and fumbling 12 times in 2023 alone. His decision-making came under fire from former head coach Arthur Smith, who benched Ridder twice last year.
As for Ridder, he heads to Arizona likely slotting in as the backup to Kyler Murray. The Cardinals already have Clayton Tune on the depth chart as well. Ridder completed 64% of his passes in Atlanta but posted just a 14:12 TD:INT ratio, numbers the Falcons clearly felt they could upgrade.
In Moore, Atlanta acquires a speedy and versatile playmaker to bolster their remade receiving corps alongside Drake London. Moore, the Cardinals’ 2021 second-round pick, racked up 135 receptions for 1,201 yards and 3 TDs over three seasons in Arizona. However, he never seemed to find an ideal role in the desert under two different coaching staffs.
The 5’7″ dynamo offers a legitimate deep threat with his elite quickness and shiftiness in space. Moore can line up outside or in the slot and has even contributed as a rusher with 52 carries for 249 yards and a score. His skill set resembles that of Cordarrelle Patterson, the do-it-all offensive weapon who remains a free agent.
For the Falcons, Moore joins newly signed Darnell Mooney and re-signed KhaDarel Hodge in an overhauled receiver room looking to support Cousins in his first season in Atlanta. This trade signifies the team is going all-in to contend in the loaded NFC South by upgrading the quarterback and pass-catching positions.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals acquire a possible quarterback of the future in Ridder as Murray’s long-term status remains murky amid trade rumors and off-field incidents. Either way, this high-profile swap shakes up the landscape for both franchises heading into a pivotal 2024 NFL campaign.
