Denver Broncos have made an intriguing move ahead of their rookie minicamp, which kicks off on May 7th. Following the withdrawal of quarterback Desmond Ridder, who had previously played for the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals, the Broncos have signed Ian Book, formerly with the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles. Book, drafted by Sean Payton when he was with the Saints, has limited experience in the NFL but reunites with his mentor as he looks to carve out a spot on the roster.

Ridder, who had spent time as a starter in Atlanta, also had stints with the Raiders and Cardinals but has seen mixed results throughout his career. Book's struggle for playing time will be compounded by stiff competition from other quarterbacks like Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham, making this minicamp crucial for showcasing their abilities.

The Las Vegas Raiders took a risk this past season by signing quarterback Desmond Ridder from the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad amid injuries to their signal-callers. However, Ridder's performance left much to be desired, leading to a disappointing start against the Atlanta Falcons where he tossed two interceptions in a loss. Consequently, he was not retained by the Raiders after the season.

Currently, Ridder remains a free agent, though the Denver Broncos are showing interest. They have invited him to their rookie minicamp, where he'll compete against a mix of rookies and veterans. With Bo Nix as the Broncos' starting quarterback and Jarrett Stidham in a backup role, Ridder's path to making the roster is unclear, but he may benefit from the tutelage of head coach Sean Payton, a notable developer of quarterbacks.

With the 2025 NFL Draft completed, attention is shifting back to free agency as teams finalize their rosters ahead of minicamps. Aaron Rodgers, a four-time league MVP, remains unsigned after parting ways with the Jets. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly the frontrunners to acquire him, enhancing their offseason strategy after adding Pro Bowl talents like DK Metcalf and Darius Slay. Other notable free agents include Carson Wentz, whose experience may make him a solid backup choice, and potential rising stars like Desmond Ridder, who could find a home in Pittsburgh as well.

In the running back department, Nick Chubb leads the pack despite past injury concerns, while Jamaal Williams and D'Ernest Johnson offer intriguing options for teams seeking depth. The receiving market features established names like Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper, both with the potential to significantly impact their next teams if healthy. Tight ends Gerald Everett and Jordan Akins also stand out, offering proven production. Meanwhile, offensive linemen such as Brandon Scherff remain available, providing key depth for teams looking to bolster their frontlines. The ongoing free agency period could see these talents signed swiftly, or they may linger until training camps when injuries typically reshape rosters.

Desmond Ridder, the former quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, will participate in the Denver Broncos' rookie minicamp as a tryout player. At just 25 years old, Ridder was a notable third-round draft pick in 2022, having started 48 games at Cincinnati and going 8-10 in his NFL starts. Despite showing potential, his path to a roster spot with the Broncos is complicated by the presence of established quarterbacks such as Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Sam Ehlinger.

During his NFL journey, Ridder has accumulated 4,002 passing yards, alongside 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, demonstrating flashes of talent but also inconsistencies. The Broncos have previously signed other veterans from minicamps, making this trial crucial for Ridder as he seeks redemption in a competitive quarterback room.