With the departure of Odell Beckham Jr., the Baltimore Ravens have devised a creative way to bolster their receiving group. During Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week, former Louisville standout quarterback Malik Cunningham has been practicing as a wide receiver in an attempt to earn a spot on the New England Patriots roster.
Cunningham used his excellent athletic ability to be a dynamic player throughout his time in college, but he hasn’t yet translated that skill to the NFL. After joining the Patriots as an undrafted free agent, he was up and down the depth chart last season, behind Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.
Head coach John Harbaugh rested starting Lamar Jackson in preparation for the playoffs, and the 25-year-old, who was signed by the Ravens late in the season from the Pats practice squad, played four snaps in the regular-season finale.
Cunningham returned to the Ravens before to training camp, but this season he is officially listed as a wide receiver on the depth chart, despite having played tight end in previous seasons. With Nelson Agholor, Rashod Bateman, and Zay Flowers sitting out of Thursday’s OTAs, team reporter Ryan Mink reported that Cunningham saw more reps. With several spectacular receptions to his credit as he looks to lock down a spot on the final roster, Cunningham made his presence known. The skill areas are where the Ravens most need help; tight end Mark Andrews is one of the best in the league, and Flowers had a fantastic rookie campaign.
But, the room for Baltimore’s receivers is looking a little thin now that Beckham has joined the Miami Dolphins. The team would benefit greatly from Cunningham stepping up as a playmaker to provide the rotation more depth as they aim for yet another lengthy postseason run.
