New England Patriots fans are still scratching their heads wondering why coach Bill Belichick waived backup quarterback Malik Cunningham, 10 days after signing him to the main roster on a new three-year deal.
Did we all just step onto the set of New England’s version of The Upside Down from “Stranger Things”?
When speaking with media members on Wednesday, Belichick commented on his decision to release the undrafted rookie.
“Doing what’s best for the team,” said Belichick.
Cunningham went on waivers after the release, and he’ll be available for 31 other teams to sign to their main roster. If he passes through waivers unclaimed, there’s a good chance he’ll return to the Patriots’ practice squad.
“If he’s not claimed,” Belichick responded, when asked if he will try to bring Cunningham back to the practice squad.
Bill Belichick on why the Patriots released Malik Cunningham:
"Doing what's best for the team."
Will you try to bring him back on the practice squad?
"If he's not claimed." pic.twitter.com/OQ0Kyf4t0y
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) October 25, 2023
Cunningham garnered plenty of praise from the coaching staff, including Belichick, for his improvements on the practice squad. There’s hope he can continue developing as a quarterback or receiver and earn an opportunity for more than just a few snaps the next time he’s called up to the main roster.
