There was a groundswell of support for rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham when he was signed off the New England Patriots’ practice squad by the Baltimore Ravens.
It makes sense considering how impressive he looked in the preseason and the Patriots’ odd handling of him behind the scenes. Instead of working to help him improve at quarterback, the Patriots basically made him a tweener at quarterback and receiver.
He never got a real opportunity to lead the offense during the season, while the team struggled with a combination of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe throughout the year. For such a well-liked player in the locker room, the news of him signing with the Ravens without ever getting a real shot in New England left a bad taste in the mouths of players and fans.
Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown raised eyebrows especially with an Instagram post that might have been perceived as a shot at the Patriots.
“Go flourish where your talent is respected lil bradda,” Brown posted.
On Wednesday, via AtoZ Sports’ Sophie Weller, Brown responded when asked if he felt like Cunningham deserved a chance this season.
“Absolutely. Everybody on the team did,” said Brown.
After Malik Cunningham was signed by the Ravens, Trent Brown sent a strong message on social media.
Today, he spoke with me exclusively about the post.
Do you feel the that Malik Cunningham should have gotten a chance this season?
“Absolutely. Everybody on the team did.”
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) December 20, 2023
The Patriots were never in contention this season. Even now, they’re basically playing meaningless games with Zappe under center. It would have made more sense to keep Cunningham on the roster and see what they had in the young quarterback.
Not giving him that opportunity will go down as the biggest head-scratcher in a season filled with many for the Patriots.
