The New England Patriots did not keep Malik Cunningham on the roster, and he ended up getting picked up by the Baltimore Ravens. That move resulted in strong reactions from both fans and former teammates alike.
Now, a new report indicates that some Patriots coaches wanted Cunningham to get an opportunity after the 34-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 5.
Quarterback Mac Jones struggled in that game, throwing for 110 yards and two interceptions. It was the second week in a row that Jones had struggled at the time, and it led to him being benched for a second consecutive game.
NBC Sports Boston’s Phil A. Perry reported that it was after the Saints game that several coaches wanted Cunningham to play.
“I think when you think about just how much support there was for him, and all we heard about Malik Cunningham after the fact, I do think there was real, genuine love for the guy’s skill set here,” Perry said. “Based on, basically, what they saw from him in practice.
“I will tell you this: I heard from coaches after the Saints game. So, two blowouts in a row, bad quarterback play. And I had coaches say to me, ‘We might as well try Malik at this point. What do we have to lose?’ And so, that may have been reflective of a greater portion of the locker room than maybe I was willing to give credit to at the time. So I think there was a real, genuine liking of the guy’s skill set, especially based on where the modern game is going, what he was able to do on the fields here behind Gillette Stadium.”
Did the Patriots make a mistake with Malik Cunningham?@tomecurran & @philaperry discuss it on Arbella Early Edition pic.twitter.com/XnfMAOwTIk
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) December 21, 2023
It would’ve been interesting to see what Cunningham could have done and if it would have changed the trajectory of the season. Of course, it’s too late now, as the Patriots are currently sitting at 3-11 and positioned with the No. 2 pick overall in the 2024 NFL draft.
