The Ravens made a big move on Wednesday, signing Malik Cunningham off the Patriots practice squad, to their 53-man roster.
The move was made after the team decided to place Devin Duvernay on IR with a back injury suffered in Sunday’s win over the Rams.
With preparation for the Jaguars set to begin, here’s an instant analysis of the move.
Louisville Connection continues
Cunningham was a teammate of Lamar Jackson’s for one year before the Heisman Trophy winner took his talents to Baltimore to play for the Ravens.
New England signed Cunningham to the practice squad after going undrafted following a career for the Cardinals that saw him finish his career ranked fourth with 9,664 passing yards and fifth with 70 touchdowns in 56 games with 47 starts.
In the ACC, Cunningham accounted for 120 total touchdowns during his college career, with 50 rushing touchdowns and 70 touchdown passes.
Positional versatility
With New England, Cunningham played in one game, recording six snaps but not attempting a pass and being sacked once.
The 6-foot-1, 198-pound Cunningham is a dynamic athlete, and worked extensively at receiver with the Patriots.
With Devin Duvernay out, Cunningham can give the Ravens defense several different looks running the scout team.
Tyler Huntley is out of here
Baltimore has 27 pending free agents, with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley and third string quarterback Josh Johnson, both on the list.
With Huntley hoping to land a role as a starter elsewhere, Cunningham has a chance to become the long-term backup to Jackson, at a cheaper price.
Similar skill set
Unlike the Patriots, the Ravens will have a much better idea on how to use Cunningham’s skillset after the dual-threat amassed 120 total touchdowns during his college career at Louisville.
A dynamic athlete, Cunningham offers Baltimore another threat to use in an already dangerous, and deep offensive unit.
