The NFL is a revolving door. One day you’re the guy with the high-pedigree draft stock, and the next, you’re looking at a locker room stall that doesn’t have your name on it anymore. Honestly, the news that the Vikings waive quarterback Desmond Ridder shouldn't come as a massive shock to anyone who has been tracking the chaotic 2025 season in the Twin Cities. It’s just the nature of the beast.
When the news hit the wire on December 2, 2025, it felt like the end of a very specific, very strange chapter. Desmond Ridder, the former third-round pick out of Cincinnati, had become the ultimate "break glass in case of emergency" option for Kevin O'Connell.
But emergencies end.
Ridder was brought in twice—yes, twice—during the 2025 campaign. He was a human insurance policy. First, he showed up when J.J. McCarthy went down with a nasty high ankle sprain in September. Then, he was re-signed in late November when the quarterback room looked more like a hospital wing than a professional sports team. McCarthy was dealing with a concussion, and veteran backup Carson Wentz had a bum shoulder.
When the Vikings finally decided to move on for the second time, it wasn't because Ridder couldn't play. It was because the room finally had some breathing room.
Why the Vikings Waived Quarterback Desmond Ridder Now
The timing here is everything. You don't just dump a veteran with 18 career starts for no reason. Basically, the Vikings waive quarterback Desmond Ridder because the health of the roster finally stabilized. J.J. McCarthy, the franchise's crown jewel, cleared the league's concussion protocol.
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That changed everything.
Once McCarthy was back and Carson Wentz was mobile enough to be QB2, the math for keeping Ridder just didn't add up. Kevin O'Connell likes to keep his roster lean. Keeping a third veteran quarterback on the practice squad is a luxury most teams can't afford when they're fighting for a playoff spot or trying to reinforce other thin positions.
Also, we have to talk about Max Brosmer. The undrafted rookie out of New Hampshire basically stole the hearts of the coaching staff (and the fans) during the preseason. Brosmer is cheap, he knows the system, and the Vikings clearly view him as a more "malleable" backup than a veteran like Ridder who has his own established habits.
The Quarterback Carousel in Minneapolis
It’s been a wild ride. Since O'Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took over, the Vikings have had eight different quarterbacks start or play significant snaps. That is a lot of names on jerseys.
- J.J. McCarthy (The Future)
- Carson Wentz (The Bridge)
- Max Brosmer (The Project)
- Desmond Ridder (The Insurance)
Ridder’s tenure was essentially a series of short-term stays. He came from the Bengals practice squad originally, stayed for a few weeks, got cut, went back to the couch, and then got the call again when things got desperate. It’s a tough way to make a living. You’re learning a complex "Sean McVay-style" offense on a Tuesday and hoping you don't have to use it on a Sunday.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Ridder's Release
There’s this narrative that Ridder "failed" in Minnesota. That’s kinda ridiculous. He was never brought in to be the starter. He was there to make sure that if the sky fell, someone with NFL experience was holding the umbrella.
The stats tell a story of a guy who is a "high-end backup" but maybe not a long-term starter. In his career between the Falcons and Raiders, he put up a 16-to-14 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Not elite. But in a pinch? You could do worse. The problem in Minnesota was never his talent; it was his fit. O’Connell’s offense requires extreme precision and timing—things that are hard to master when you're signed on a Wednesday and waived on a Tuesday.
What’s Next for Desmond Ridder?
The guy is only 26. He’s got size, he can run a bit, and he’s been in enough rooms to know how the league works. He’s already been with the Falcons, Cardinals, Raiders, Bengals, and Vikings. That’s five teams in four seasons.
Is he a "journeyman" now? Probably.
But in the NFL, being a journeyman is a job. Just look at guys like Josh McCown or Ryan Fitzpatrick. They made careers out of being the guy who knows the playbook and doesn't panic. Ridder will likely find a spot on a practice squad or a veteran-minimum deal before the 2026 training camps open. Teams always need an extra arm who won't wet the bed during a preseason game.
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The Vikings' Plan for 2026
Now that the Vikings waive quarterback Desmond Ridder, the focus shifts entirely to J.J. McCarthy’s development. This is the only thing that matters in Eagan right now. McCarthy has only started 10 games in two years due to injuries. That’s not a lot of data.
O’Connell has been vocal about wanting "competition" in the room for 2026. Does that mean a big trade? Some people, like ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, have floated the idea of the Vikings looking at huge names like Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson if things "shake loose." That feels like a pipe dream, but it shows how desperate the organization is for stability.
More likely? They’ll go after a high-end veteran backup. Think Marcus Mariota or maybe even bringing back someone like Sam Darnold if the price is right. They need someone who can push McCarthy without being a threat to his locker room standing.
Actionable Insights for Vikings Fans
If you're following the roster moves, here is what you actually need to watch for in the coming weeks:
- The Max Brosmer Watch: Watch how many reps the rookie gets in garbage time or practice. If they keep him over a veteran, it means they truly believe he’s a legitimate QB2.
- The "Third QB" Rule: The NFL has specific rules about emergency quarterbacks. By waiving Ridder, the Vikings are betting on the health of McCarthy and Wentz. If one of them tweaks something in warmups, the situation gets dicey fast.
- Offseason Budgeting: Waiving Ridder now clears up a tiny bit of space and a roster spot. Watch for the Vikings to use that spot on a defensive tackle or offensive line depth—areas where they are currently hurting.
At the end of the day, the move to waive Ridder is a sign of health. It’s a boring reason, but it’s the truth. The Vikings finally have their guys back on the field. Ridder was a professional who did exactly what he was asked to do: be ready. Now, he’ll wait for the next phone call from a team that finds itself in a mid-season panic.
The Minnesota quarterback room is J.J. McCarthy's house now. Everyone else is just visiting.