It has been a tough season for the New England Patriots. Every week has seemed to be a challenge, and as a result, they are currently sitting with three wins on the year and are looking at a top-three pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The chief problem among them all seems to be the quarterback position and Mac Jones being unable to provide the team with the type of production they needed to be successful.
With Bailey Zappe now under center, and a perplexing situation unfolding at the spot, starting left tackle Trent Brown believes at least one other player should have been given a shot at the position.
Trent Brown Claims New England Patriots Wanted Malik Cunningham at QB
Malik Cunningham went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft but shortly after signed with the Patriots. Cunningham is a dynamic athlete who can attack through the air and on the ground, and that versatility is what drove the Patriots’ interest in signing him in the first place.
During his tenure with the Patriots, Cunningham did wide receiver work and played on special teams as well as his customary quarterback snaps. Cunningham was a busy man, but through it all, he knew who he was, and he wanted to be a quarterback. With that in mind, Cunningham jumped at the opportunity to join the Baltimore Ravens’ 53-man roster.
Cunningham chose to be a QB in Baltimore rather than staying on the Patriots’ practice squad doing multiple things. While it was an upward move for Cunningham that made a ton of sense, his former teammates, including Trent Brown, felt like the team dropped the ball by not giving him a real shot to play quarterback.
“Everybody on the team did. Everybody. Wasn’t many opportunities he got to actually do it [here], but I definitely saw glimpses of him being a good quarterback. So, I wish him well. I wish him the best of luck. I’m glad he’s in a better place.”
Instead, Cunningham will now back up Lamar Jackson and learn a new system that many believe fits his playing style much better than the one he was in while in New England. What the future holds for Cunningham is still unwritten, but it is clear that many see the potential he possesses.
While Brown may not be thrilled that he will no longer be his teammate, those around the team and those who know Cunningham believe that the sky is the limit for the rookie quarterback.
Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!