Report: Cardinals release quarterback Desmond Ridder, retaining Clayton Tune

The Arizona Cardinals are releasing veteran quarterback Desmond Ridder as the team begins 53-man roster cuts, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The move and decision to retain backup Clayton Tune behind starter Kyler Murray comes two days after the Cardinals’ 38-12 loss to the Denver Broncos in Arizona’s preseason finale on Sunday.

The veteran signal-caller turned in his best showing as a Cardinal in Denver, completing 10 of 16 pass attempts for 111 yards for an 83.1 QBR. He added another 25 yards on two carries.

Ridder’s day, however, ended on a sour note. Late in the fourth quarter, the quarterback left the game after taking a hit and was placed in concussion protocol soon after.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon said Monday that Ridder has since cleared the protocol.

Before Sunday’s action, Ridder was 10-of-19 for 114 yards across Arizona’s first two preseason games.

How did Desmond Ridder’s tenure with the Cardinals go?

Ridder joined the Cardinals via an offseason trade with the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for wide receiver Rondale Moore.

Given the trade and prior NFL experience, it appeared he had a fast track for the QB2 role heading into training camp. But inconsistencies and turnovers plagued Ridder throughout most of camp and into joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts, opening the door for Tune.

Tune showed plenty of improvement this offseason, highlighted by his play toward the end of camp and through most of the preseason. That’s not to say there aren’t some things to clean up. In Sunday’s loss to the Broncos, Tune didn’t look as decisive as he was in the two games prior.

That inability to pull the trigger at times played a part in Tune’s sack total (three) on the afternoon. It wasn’t just Sunday, either, with Tune going down at least two times a game this preseason. Tune isn’t the only one to blame for the eight sacks he took in exhibition play, but he could have limited the damage in certain situations.

Still, Tune appeared to have done enough to secure a roster spot behind Murray behind 361 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception on 35-52 passing across three preseason games.

While Tune’s job appears safe for now, there’s always the chance the Cardinals opt to bring in someone from the outside depending on who might be available after the 53-man roster cut deadline on Tuesday.

Around this time last year, general manager Monti Ossenfort acquired QB Josh Dobbs from the Cleveland Browns with Murray still recovering from a torn ACL and Colt McCoy’s noticeable struggles. Dobbs made eight starts for the Cardinals before he was dealt to the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the NFL trade deadline.

Arizona isn’t in the same QB boat it was last year, with Murray fully healthy, but the option to bring someone in remains if the Cardinals feel inclined to do so.

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