Harbaugh describes Cunningham’s role and the reasons the Ravens wanted him.
Harbaugh explains why Ravens wanted Cunningham and what his role will be originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
After moving back and forth between the New England Patriots’ active roster and practice squad, rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham seized an opportunity to sign to the Baltimore Ravens’ active roster earlier this week.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was thrilled to sign the versatile player, who took reps at quarterback and wide receiver with New England. With Baltimore now carrying an abnormal amount of quarterbacks on their roster with four, Harbaugh was quick to define Cunningham’s role.
“It’s a distinct scenario, no doubt about it,” Harbaugh told the media on Thursday. “From a quarterback perspective, it’s a future type of move.”
Lamar Jackson, who signed a five-year extension this past April, making him the highest paid player in the NFL at the time, is already the quarterback of the future for the Ravens; however, Cunningham could establish himself as their primary backup very soon. Given that veteran quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Tyler Huntley have contracts that are about to expire, Harbaugh’s remarks may indicate that he plans to keep Cunningham as the starting backup for many years to come.
Regarding Cunningham, Harbaugh continued, “it’s going to be really interesting to see how he develops.” “There’s no denying that he is a quarterback. He’s here to hone his quarterbacking skills.”
Cunningham was initially persuaded to sign with Baltimore by Harbaugh’s same dedication.
Cunningham told reporters on Thursday, “When he told me that, I was all ears.” “I realised that I was sliding. “I will not remain [in New England].”
Harbaugh informed Cunningham that he would play quarterback, but the seasoned coach also mentioned that Cunningham would continue to play three positions during practices: wide receiver, quarterback, and special teams, which is exactly what he was doing with the Patriots.
Cunningham further stated that he thought he should have been given an opportunity to play, an action that infuriated some Patriots players and supporters.
Regarding his time in New England, Cunningham remarked, “A lot of those guys knew I could go out there and make plays and help the team compete.” “You just have to take the coaching and their desire to insert someone else for the benefit of the team with a grain of salt. However, my teammates and I both agreed that I ought to have had the opportunity to be there.”
After an unexpected victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bailey Zappe appears to have cemented his place as the starting quarterback for the balance of the season ahead of Mac Jones. On Sunday, the Patriots will play the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Travis Kelce, at home.
