New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick wanted to keep rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham, but he also admits the Baltimore Ravens had the better pitch in the end.
The Patriots have spent months trying to convert Cunningham into a wide receiver, while also having him moonlight at quarterback on occasion. But the Ravens offered him a chance at quarterback in their offense, which is headed by former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.
Belichick believes the move makes sense for Cunningham in the end.
“They (the Ravens) sold him on the opportunity, the offense, Lamar. Certainly, their offense suits Malik better than any offense in the league, so it makes sense,” Belichick told reporters on Wednesday morning.
Belichick on Malik Cunningham: “They (the Ravens) sold him on the opportunity, the offense, Lamar. Certainly, their offense suits Malik better than any offense in the league, so it makes sense.”
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) December 13, 2023
The Ravens’ run-heavy offense would certainly put Cunningham in a better position to find success. He’ll also be learning under Jackson, who is his former college teammate from Louisville.
It’s still hard to understand why Belichick and the Patriots never fully embraced Cunningham’s unique skill set as both a runner and passer. Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown seemingly took a shot at the team on Tuesday in a goodbye post to Cunningham.
The Patriots have started Bailey Zappe the last couple of weeks, but there’s still no real direction at quarterback for the team. How could there be when the head coach isn’t even willing to name the starter?
