Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Malik Cunningham (16) during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Preseason-Houston Texans at New England Patriots
NEW ENGLAND — The NFL is a cruel business.
Tom Pelissero reports the Patriots have waived QB Malik Cunningham, just 10 days after signing him to multi-year contract.
Bold strategy.
However, Cunningham is a “strong candidate” to return to the Patriots’ practice squad should he clear waivers, according to ESPN.
With Mac Jones having a bounce back game against the Bills and Bailey Zappe/Will Grier backing him up, the Patriots apparently don’t have room to hold a 4th quarterback.
“Malik has really worked hard and made a lot of improvement,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said before the signing. “Anybody that keeps improving, eventually you’ll probably get an opportunity to play.”
The Patriots made Cunningham the No. 2 quarterback for their 21-17 loss against the Raiders and Cunningham played six snaps in the game – two at quarterback and four at wide receiver. He was sacked once and didn’t register any other statistics.
The dual-threat quarterback who can play multiple positions, signed as an undrafted free agent following a solid career with Louisville.
The Patriots also released veteran defensive end Trey Flowers, who had been designated to return from injured reserve.
