News of Malik Cunningham’s release by the New England Patriots caught the fan base by surprise on Tuesday.
The backup quarterback had become somewhat of a fan-favorite during the preseason after displaying his skills as both a runner and passer under center. With the current version of the Patriots offense looking slow and outdated, there was hope that Cunningham could develop into the sort of new-aged quarterback to help spark the offense.
But the Patriots made the decision to waive the undrafted rookie after signing him to a three-year deal 10 days ago.
Keep in mind, Cunningham will return to the practice squad if he clears waivers. The coaching staff clearly likes him, and even Bill Belichick noted the significant strides and improvement he’s made behind the scenes.
Bill Belichick said Patriots would add Malik Cunningham to practice squad if he goes unclaimed. But What about Trey Flowers?
"Trey's in a little different situation. So, we'll just leave that where it is. There's other rules and other things involved. A much longer discussion."
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) October 25, 2023
The other teams in the league could have signed him off the practice in the first five weeks of the season, before he was promoted to the Patriots’ main roster. So there’s hope he’ll find his way back to New England after the waiver period.
However, that still didn’t quell the concerns of Patriots fans, who were clearly not happy about potentially losing Cunningham to another team. Here’s what people were saying after the move on Tuesday:
Patriots managing their QB room this year: pic.twitter.com/l9Au3hYBx4
— Snooze Button Basher (@NewEnglandNarly) October 24, 2023
We win 1 game and start waiving guys we just signed? Can someone explain this one
— Boston 🎃 Mike (@BostonSports_BM) October 25, 2023
The dream is dead
— Football Farrell (@JohnFarrellSays) October 24, 2023
Reminiscent of cutting Cam Newton, doesn’t want anyone on roster that fans can clamor for when things go south (souther?…)
— David (@DaveAinDC) October 24, 2023
— Ryan (@18__loading) October 24, 2023
I’m old enough to remember when they signed him to a 3 year contract… last week pic.twitter.com/FZFzDuOhEv
— Garth Corriveau (@GarthCorriveau) October 24, 2023
💔
— rare (@veryrare_ns) October 24, 2023
The kid deserves a chance elsewhere.
— DJ Martinez (@DJMartinez06) October 24, 2023
WHAT ARE YOU DOING BILL
— New England Sports Review (@nesportreview) October 24, 2023
Baltimore will probably pick him up and have three Lamar Jacksons
— Cam (@Cam39859403) October 24, 2023
I don’t understand what the plan or even the point of signing him was
— Boston Sports Talk (@Boston4Sports) October 24, 2023
Bill is so unserious at least give him a chance
— UNDERRATED 🇸🇴 (@get_bizzy_) October 24, 2023
Need to waive Bellichek lol
— Troy🦍 (@Troy_OG_APE) October 24, 2023
Just got home just saw the news. The Patriots released QB / WR Malik Cunningham and DE Trey Flowers. Honestly why. Just for both of them. Cunningham was on the rise and Flowers was near a return and could of seriously helped us. Don’t like it. pic.twitter.com/g0UzUnDoOm
— Money Mac 💰 (@MJ10Fan) October 25, 2023
Then cut Malik Cunningham 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️ but that's my team imma stick with them https://t.co/1AFu1GeDuE pic.twitter.com/xrYsHsPqmh
— Someone's SON (@reintpete2182) October 25, 2023
Contracts in the NFL aren’t real
— James Wood’s burner profile (@Nats2024) October 24, 2023
— EM (@edumorato) October 25, 2023
— Elvis JR💙 (@ElpatronSFC) October 24, 2023
Really hope Malik Cunningham goes somewhere and gets a real shot. Entire Patriots tenure judged on 6 snaps. Smh.
— Ⓙⓔⓕⓕ Ⓐⓑⓡⓐⓜⓞ 🍊 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 (@JeffAbramo) October 25, 2023
Bye , Malik Cunningham. We barely knew you. Okay, we didn't ACTUALLY know you at all:) #Patriots
— Isabella (@IgnoredByPlec) October 25, 2023
why tf would we sign Malik Cunningham to a 3yr contract from the practice squd then waive him 10 days later smh @Patriots
— OG MIYAGI (@ItzBlizz) October 25, 2023
Malik Cunningham will be a full time starter in the NFL by the end of next season. Baffled that the brilliance of Belichick cut him. Guy is an athlete.
— BG (@BrianGulish) October 24, 2023
Biggest L in history they will regret this one day I promise
— Malik Cunningham fan club owner (@kobefromdafrobe) October 24, 2023
