The Falcons have been quite active this offseason, especially in free agency, where they made significant moves like acquiring Kirk Cousins and signing Darnell Mooney, along with several depth signings. However, one of the most notable moves was their decision to trade Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals.
It was surprising that the Falcons were able to get anything substantial for Ridder, a former second-round pick who is only 23 years old and adds speed to their offense. Some might argue that Ridder fetched more in a trade than Justin Fields and Mac Jones. This was unexpected for many observers.
While Ridder may not be seen as a starting quarterback, he is a capable backup on an affordable contract. This is why some expected the Falcons to keep him and release Taylor Heinicke to save money against the salary cap. The Cardinals, however, saw the value in Ridder as a backup for Kyler Murray, and the trade was seen as beneficial for both teams, providing a fresh start for each player.
In terms of a trade grade for the Falcons, it would be a B-plus. Ridder was not part of their future plans, so they did well to acquire a versatile receiver in Moore. Moore has shown versatility in his game, with 52 career carries for 249 yards and a touchdown. This could provide offensive coordinator Zac Robinson with creative opportunities to involve him in the offense.
While Moore has not fully lived up to his second-round draft status, he still has talent. Additionally, the fact that Falcons coach Raheem Morris and Robinson are familiar with Moore from their NFC West matchups adds an element of comfort. Even if Moore is only used sporadically, he enhances the depth chart and brings veteran experience to the team, which is valuable as the Falcons enter a season with high expectations.
Overall, this trade is viewed as a positive for the Falcons. Ridder needed a change of scenery, and it was clear he was not going to be a significant factor in Atlanta. Moore, on the other hand, brings a skill set that can benefit the Falcons, especially in terms of yards after catch and his potential role in the running game. The familiarity with Moore from the coaching staff’s previous encounters with him also suggests they see a specific role for him in the offense. Considering all these factors, getting Moore in exchange for Ridder is seen as a win for the Falcons.
