The Baltimore Ravens are unique in that they have not one, but two different skinny former Louisville quarterbacks with above-average running skills on the roster. NFL MVP Lamar Jackson was being backed up by one of his replacements in Malik Cunningham.
While Jackson is clearly the unquestioned starter and ageless wonder Josh Johnson has taken ownership of the backup quarterback spot, the race for QB3 is a bit wilder. Cunningham was once considered a player who could make a run at that spot, but the Ravens have other plans for him.
While Cunningham has never had the arm necessary to become a worthwhile developmental quarterback prospect in the eyes of both the Ravens and New England Patriots, both John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta believe he has enough athleticism to become one of a select few who can change positions in the NFL.
According to Ryan Mink, Cunningham is now officially listed as a wide receiver on the depth chart. With no path to becoming a long-term option at the quarterback spot, Baltimore is taking a gamble on his athletic traits and hoping he becomes the next great college quarterback to make the transition.
Malik Cunningham is now officially listed as a WR (not QB) on the Ravens' roster, btw. He made that look like the right call today with several grabs.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) May 23, 2024
Baltimore Ravens officially convert Malik Cunningham to wide receiver
Cunningham threw for just under 10,000 yards in five years at Louisville, tossing 70 touchdowns against just 24 interceptions. On the ground, Cunningham ran for 3,182 yards and 50 touchdowns to cap off one of the most productive careers in ACC history. His success with the Cardinals led Bill Belichick and the Patriots to snatch him up as a do-it-all weapon.
Still, Baltimore remained unconvinced by a quarterback who clocks in at under 200 pounds and has below-average arm strength. His speed and slipperiness in the open field is worth testing out at the wide receiver spot to see if he has a better chance of sticking long-term in Baltimore.
The list of players Cunningham will need to beat out for a spot on the roster includes disappointing former fourth-round pick Tylan Wallace, special teams ace Deonte Harty, and undrafted free agents like Qadir Ismail, son of Ravens great Qadry Ismail. Cunningham has his work cut out for him.
The quarterback room now holds just four players, which could prompt another signing before training camp. Jackson and Johnson are locked in as the starter and backup, with 2024 sixth-round pick Devin Leary likely earning a spot as QB3 while undrafted rookie Emory Jones fights for a practice squad spot.