According to reports, the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to deal wide receiver Rondale Moore to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Two NFC teams exchange offensive players
Cincinnati native Ridder was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, but he struggled to establish himself as the Falcons’ starting quarterback over the previous two seasons. As a result, Atlanta decided to spend heavily in free agency this year to acquire veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Now that he’s headed to Arizona, Ridder will give the Cards depth behind Kyler Murray, the starting pitcher. Moore, a former Purdue player selected in the second round, is a tiny but dynamic playmaker with occasional flashes of brilliance, but he hasn’t yet lived up to his selection position.
It’s worth noting that he will join a stacked offense in Atlanta that features a ton of other weapons on offense, which could limit his touches but also give him more room to operate while opposing defenses pay more attention to bigger names.
Sources: Rondale Moore is going to the #Falcons in exchange for Desmond Ridder.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2024
Rondale Moore
Moore’s football prowess was evident during his college years at Purdue University. In his very first game, he set a program record with 313 all-purpose yards, surpassing the legendary Otis Armstrong’s previous mark. His versatility was on full display as he contributed not only as a receiver but also as a rusher and return specialist.
Moore defies expectations with his explosive speed and agility. His accolades include being named a Consensus All-American and earning First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2018. His impact extends beyond the field, captivating fans and analysts alike.
As Moore continues his NFL journey, fans eagerly anticipate his electrifying plays and game-changing abilities. Whether he’s making catches or returning kicks, Rondale Moore remains a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Desmond Ridder
Meanwhile, as a redshirt freshman in 2018, Desmond Ridder became the Bearcats’ starting quarterback, passing for 2,445 yards and 20 touchdowns while also gaining 583 yards rushing along with five touchdowns. His versatility and leadership earned him the title of American Athletic Conference (AAC) Rookie of the Year1.
In the 2020 season, Desmond Ridder’s breakout campaign solidified his reputation. He was named the Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week and the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Week after a stellar performance against 16th-ranked SMU. Ridder’s combination of passing accuracy and rushing ability makes him a force on the field.
