Patriots Make Another Stunning Roster Move On Malik Cunningham

The New England Patriots shocked the NFL world once again. The team made a few unexpected moves in the offseason and removing Malik Cunningham from the Patriots roster was more than unexpected.

Cunningham showed promising performance in the preseason and was expected to play at both quarterback and wide receiver. The versatile player caught Bill Belichick’s attention and the Patriots gave him a three-year deal, adding him to the 53-man roster. However, things changed following the loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Cunningham didn’t see any action in the game against the Buffalo Bills and the Patriots showed him the exit.

The Patriots can still bring the undrafted rookie and add him to the practice unit. Marc Daniels was among the first to mention this scenario.

“Sounds like Malik Cunningham will head back to the Patriots practice squad, if he doesn’t get claimed,” he wrote on Twitter (X).

Sounds like Malik Cunningham will head back to the Patriots practice squad, if he doesn’t get claimed.

— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) October 24, 2023

Patriots wanted to keep Cunningham on the roster

What made the Patriots take this move? Cunningham is incredibly talented and some NFL analysts said he could easily replace Mac Jones at quarterback.

Jeremy Fowler from ESPN discussed the QB situation in New England last week, suggesting that Patriots coaches want to see more from players at this position.

“It wasn’t a throwaway transaction,” Fowler wrote. “I am told the coaches are discussing ways to work Cunningham into the game plan in a somewhat significant way, possibly as early as this week against Buffalo. The Patriots thought they put forth a better effort Sunday against the Raiders, but they still lost the game and are looking for a lot more from the quarterback position than what Mac Jones is giving them.”

Belichick heaped praise over Cunningham and seemed to be determined to keep him high on the depth chart.

“Malik’s really worked hard and made a lot of improvement,” the head coach said 12 days ago. “He never really played in the kicking game at Louisville, so he’s started to show up there, never played receiver – didn’t look very good either, in the spring, but he’s really improved there. He can catch the ball, but just route running and finding zones and things like that. But, it’s come pretty naturally to him.”