Days after Cincinnati Football quarterback Desmond Ridder announced he’s returning for his senior year. Ridder’s return and his success with Cincinnati prompts an interesting idea. For the Cincinnati Bengals to consider next year.

The Bengals should consider having Desmond Ridder as a backup quarterback. Due to a range of reasons, including some that go beyond football. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s recent injury is one reason. One of the worst case scenarios became a reality. When the 2020 top overall pick was sidelined last November.

Earlier this week, Burrow returned to Cincinnati to continue his recovery. After having ACL and MCL surgery in Los Angeles. The Bengals were left to manage with Brandon Allen and Ryan Finley in Burrow’s absence. Allen was signed to the practice squad last Summer. In case the Bengals had to make due without Burrow or Finley due to COVID-19.

Ryan Finley has had a mixed record in the games he’s played in. Starting in just four since the Bengals drafted him in 2019. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor seems willing to only use Finley as a last resort. Allen got more starting opportunities; despite Finley being more familiar with the team. However, Allen has more NFL game experience compared to Finley.

Ridder could be a good fit for the Bengals public relations-wise. Through having a quarterback that played college football in the same city. One that is guiding the Cincinnati Bengals through some of their best seasons in program history. One that also happened to grow up not far from Cincinnati. Ridder is a native of nearby Louisville, Kentucky.

The Bengals rarely bring in local college and high school football stars. Despite being in one of the best high school football regions in the nation. Cincinnati Football head coach Luke Fickell is tapping into this recruiting hot zone. With good results for the Cincinnati Bearcats to show for those recruiting efforts. Through missing out on local high school and college stars. The Bengals have missed out on players like Travis Kelce. A Super Bowl winner and one of the best tight ends in the NFL and a Bearcats alumnus.

They’ve also missed out on local high school stars like Kyle Rudolph and Luke Kuechly. Along with Louisville Football alum and Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson. With the recently retired Kuechly as an exception. These are just some of the active players with local roots in the National Football League. The Bengals have had some success in recent years with homegrown players.

One of the hardest working Bengals is punter Kevin Huber. A Cincinnati native and University of Cincinnati alumnus. Moeller High School and Ohio State Football alum Sam Hubbard is another effective Bengals player. Last but not least is freshly minted franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. He played high school football in Athens, Ohio and spent much of his college career with Ohio State.

The Bengals could top the list all the NFL franchises. That could benefit the most from hiring local. Business-wise, having Ridder as a Bengals backup could help keep rears in Paul Brown Stadium seats. For Ridder himself, being a future Bengals backup could be a stepping stone. Towards a starting job either in Cincinnati or elsewhere in the NFL.

Considering Ridder recently earned a bachelors degree in sports administration. Ridder could also have a future in an NFL front office. The Bengals could provide a good opportunity to Ridder in that regard too. Ultimately, hiring Ridder in 2022 could carry minimal risks for the Bengals.