Patriots lose backup QB to AFC rival after minimal playing time
The Ravens are signing Patriots practice-squad quarterback Malik Cunningham to their active roster Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Cunningham, an undrafted rookie who played in one game this season, released a statement to ESPN.
“I wanted to thank Mr. Kraft and coach Belichick for giving me (an) opportunity to play with the Patriots. I learned a lot from them,” the statement read. “I want to be a coach one day, so I would take notes from coach Belichick because he’s one of the greatest of all time. I had great teammates in New England and built relationships that will last a lifetime. But I just feel like this is a good opportunity for me and I’m excited to be a Baltimore Raven.”
In New England, Cunningham split his time between quarterback and receiver and spent most of his tenure on the practice squad. The Patriots elevated Cunningham off the practice squad for their last two games, but did not field him for a single snap. Earlier this season, the Pats signed the undrafted rookie to their active roster ahead of a Week 6 game at Las Vegas, then deployed him for six snaps and waived him days later.
After the Patriots’ recent shutout loss to the Chargers on Dec. 3, Cunningham confirmed to the Herald the coaching staff had installed a package for him in practice before elevating him. Instead, backup Bailey Zappe took all of the quarterback reps in that 6-0 loss, and Cunningham remained sidelined, even as the team played without leading receiver Demario Douglas.
In Baltimore, Cunningham will reunite with Ravens starter and ex-college teammate Lamar Jackson. Cunningham and Jackson played together at Louisville for one season in 2017. Later, Cunningham became a three-year starter for the Cardinals, but was not considered a legitimate quarterback prospect coming out of the draft.
Shortly after last April’s draft, Cunningham signed a contract with the Patriots that included the most guaranteed money the franchise had ever given to an undrafted rookie. The team planned to play him at receiver, after offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien worked out Cunningham at Louisville. In the preseason, Cunningham played 96 snaps — 72 at receiver, 22 at quarterback and two more on special teams — before receiving his release at the end of training camp.
The Patriots’ only remaining quarterbacks are Zappe, Mac Jones and Will Grier, who remains on the practice squad and hasn’t taken a snap this year. The Pats have three spots open on their practice squad.
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/6Co04sj
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