Patriots QB Malik Cunningham, Ravens Agree to Contract After Practice Squad Stint

The Baltimore Ravens signed quarterback Malik Cunningham to their active roster Tuesday, poaching him from the New England Patriots' practice squad.

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted the move reunites Cunningham with college teammate Lamar Jackson.

"I wanted to thank Mr Kraft and Coach Belichick for giving me [the] opportunity to play with the Patriots. I learned a lot from them," Cunningham said in a statement to Schefter. "I want to be a coach one day, so I would take notes from coach Belichick because he's one of the greatest of all time. I had great teammates in New England and built relationships that will last a lifetime. But I just feel like this is a good opportunity for me and I'm excited to be a Baltimore Raven."

Cunningham was a four-year starter at Louisville before signing with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent. He appeared in only one game while playing both wide receiver and quarterback, seemingly with no obvious plan on how to utilize his athleticism.

It seems Patriots players were frustrated with Cunningham's lack of use, with offensive tackle Trent Brown offering an eye-opening sendoff on social media:

It's unclear whether the Ravens view Cunningham more as a quarterback or wideout moving forward. Baltimore already has Tyler Huntley and Josh Johnson signed to the roster, though it's possible the latter winds up being released at some point soon. Johnson is a 37-year-old journeyman with no long-term future with the Ravens, while Huntley and Cunningham are younger potential longer-term backups to Jackson.

The Ravens could already be looking ahead to the playoffs to utilize Cunningham on gadget plays where his ability as a receiver and quarterback could come in handy.

At the very least, it's clear at least some in New England feel Cunningham's talent was being squandered by Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.