Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

AFC rival taking advantage of Patriots' judicious but controversial personnel decision

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Sophie Weller | Last updated 5/24/24

It was very obvious that the New England Patriots had some serious issues at the quarterback position last year. And because of that, there was one player that many fans wanted the team to give a chance in the pocket.

Malik Cunningham quickly became a fan favorite after an impressive preseason showing in 2023. But throughout the entire season, former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was determined to convert the former Louisville quarterback into a wide receiver.

And it became a very controversial move, ultimately ending with the Baltimore Ravens signing Cunningham off the Patriots practice squad.

However, with the start of OTAs, it looks like Belichick and the Patriots might have had the right idea all along.

Raven's Ryan Mink reported that Cunningham is no longer listed as a quarterback on the roster, and instead is officially listed as a wider receiver. He added that Cunningham made "several grabs" during Thursday's session.

Malik Cunningham is now officially listed as a WR (not QB) on the Ravens' roster, btw. He made that look like the right call today with several grabs.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) May 23, 2024

In April, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked about what Cunningham's specific position is, but he couldn't give a definitive answer.

"I think that remains to be seen," Harbaugh said. "We're going to take a look at him and see how he does. He's definitely developmental as a quarterback. He's developmental as a wide receiver, too. But he's a good athlete. He's a good person. He's a competitive guy, he wants to do well."

How it all started

Cunningham came to Foxborough last season as an undrafted free agent and impressed throughout training camp. However, with Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe in the quarterback room along with others cycling through meant that the Patriots didn't feel a need for Cunningham in the quarterback room. So instead, they tried him out at receiver.

His time in New England was truly a whirlwind, going between the practice squad and the active roster a few different times. And it ultimately came to an end when Cunningham was signed by the Ravens from the Patriots practice squad in December.

It also didn't help when former Patriots tackle Trent Brown took to social media after the Ravens move, throwing some shade at the Patriots while also wishing him luck at his new team.

"@Malikc_3 go flourish where your talent is respected lil bradda," he wrote.

But it seems the Patriots may have had it right the entire time.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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