Who Should I Start? Desmond Ridder or Jake Haener

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.

Tuesday, May 7, 12:10 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler has an uphill climb to earn backup duties to veteran Derek Carr in his rookie season, which is why Jake Haener currently looks to be the favorite to be second on the QB depth chart out of training camp this summer. At the very least, though, Rattler is going to be in competition for the No. 2 spot with Haener. There are other veterans on the roster as well in Kellen Mond and Nathan Peterman, and Taysom Hill can't be ruled out for getting some work under center in camp, either. Rattler's growth could be tied to how quickly he can learn the offensive lingo and installs. Haener had a leg up last year since he ran a version of the Saints' offense at the Senior Bowl the previous season. Rattler might have to sit on the bench for a few years, so he's only worth drafting in dynasty/keeper leagues this fall.