In less than two weeks, the Patriots went from believing Malik Cunningham deserved a multi-year contract to deciding that he’s expendable.
New England, in a bizarre set of transactions, waived the rookie quarterback/receiver on Tuesday, just 10 days after inking him to a three-year deal.
However, Cunningham is a “strong candidate” to return to the Patriots’ practice squad should he clear waivers, according to ESPN.
NFL teams can go through a variety of transactions with practice squad players like Cunningham, but it’s the three-year deal that makes this strange.
The Patriots signed Cunningham, a dual-threat quarterback who can play multiple positions, as an undrafted free agent following a solid career with Louisville.
They waived him during roster cuts before the season started and then inked him to the practice squad.
Cunningham then earned his first roster promotion before a Week 6 road game against the Raiders, but the Patriots didn’t just promote him like a usual practice squad player.
They gave him a three-year contract and had set plays for him, per ESPN.
“Malik has really worked hard and made a lot of improvement,” Patriots coach Belichick said before the signing. “Anybody that keeps improving, eventually you’ll probably get an opportunity to play.”
Cunningham served as the backup quarterback for that game and played six snaps. He did not attempt a pass, but did take a sack.
“You put together a package of plays and try not to overload him, and they’re plays within our system, so these aren’t brand new plays,” Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien said following the 21-17 loss.
“He’s a very bright guy, he does a good job, he knows the plays and he’s gotten better every week.”
Cunningham’s status as the backup quarterback lasted just one game.
The Patriots made him a healthy scratch for last Sunday’s 29-25 win over the Bills, instead turning back to Bailey Zappe behind Mac Jones.
Two days later, Cunningham was waived.
Cunningham could stay in New England if the other 31 teams pass on adding him to their active roster, and that’s a possibility since no team drafted him.
The Patriots (2-5) visit the Dolphins in Week 8.