Veteran Calls Out Patriots' Handling of Malik Cunningham

The New England Patriots' quarterback situation has been nothing short of a disaster throughout the 2023 NFL season. Both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe have given the Patriots faithful their fair share of headaches, making it even more surprising that the team never gave a shot to Malik Cunningham.

But ever since Cunningham signed with the Baltimore Ravens practice squad a few weeks ago, Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown has made it clear he isn't a fan of how things unfolded. In a recent interview, the veteran blocker expressed that a lot of New England players wanted Cunningham to get a crack at the starting role.

Patriots News: Trent Brown Unhappy with Malik Cunningham's Usage

On Wednesday, Brown told A to Z Sports' Sophie Weller that "everybody on the team" wanted to see Cunningham get a shot at being the Patriots' QB1. He also added that he's happy that Cunningham — who New England wanted to use as a wide receiver — is getting "a real chance to play his real position"

"[There] wasn't many opportunities [Cunningham] got to actually do it (here), but I definitely saw glimpses of him being a good quarterback. So, I wish him well. I wish him the best of luck. I'm glad he's in a better place."

- Trent Brown, Patriots OT

Brown's comments come just over a week after posting on social media that Cunningham should "go flourish where your talent is respected" in regards to the Montgomery, AL native signing with the Ravens.

Cunningham, the 2019 Music Bowl MVP, joined the Patriots during the offseason as an undrafted free agent. He joined a solid preseason that saw him complete three passes for 19 yards while turning six carries for another 39 yards with a touchdown, earning him a spot on the Pats' practice squad before later being promoted to the 53-man roster on a third-year deal in October.

But despite Jones and Zappe's inept play under center, head coach Bill Belichick never called Cunningham's number. Instead, the Patriots wound up releasing him just 10 days later before re-assigning him to the practice squad.

Eventually, Cunningham had enough and signed with Baltimore's practice squad earlier this month. In fact, it was a move that Brown saw coming, saying that he told the 25-year-old "months ago" that the Ravens would be the perfect fit for him if a change in scenery was needed.

Time will tell if Cunningham becomes something special now that he's reunited with former Louisville QB Lamar Jackson. If that ends up being the case, it'll be one of the many gaffes that Belichick & Co. gave us in this mistake-filled season.

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