The Detroit Lions are adding a unique, dual-position player to its roster.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that the Lions are signing receiver and quarterback Malik Cunningham to the practice squad.
The Lions may be seeking more information about their next opponent as they are scheduled to play the Baltimore Ravens on “Monday Night Football” next week.
Cunningham previously played for the Ravens and New England Patriots following a standout career at the University of Louisville.
Louisville’s Malik Cunningham Played QB Then WR
While at Louisville, Cunningham finished his career with 7,889 passing yards and 62 touchdowns, including a career-best 2,841 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2021.
He ranks second in Louisville history for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 38, seventh in career passing touchdowns with 62, and second in total touchdowns responsible for with 100. He is also the only Cardinals quarterback ever to record nine completions of 75 yards or more.
After the 2023 NFL Draft, Cunningham signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent. He spent time on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in October 2023.
In December 2023, Baltimore signed Cunningham off the Patriots’ practice squad. During the 2024 offseason, Cunningham transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver.
“At first, I looked at it as like, ‘Dang man, I want to be a quarterback,’” Cunningham said at the time. “But at the same time, you have to do what’s best for the team and that’s how I looked at it. I was like, ‘Hey, I can make plays for the quarterbacks out there when I get the ball in space.’ So I looked at it as a plus, not as a fail.
“I believe in myself and my ability. Yeah, I can play quarterback. But that’s now what they need me to do right now. They need me to do something else. I’m the type of guy, whatever it takes for the team to win.”
Lions Offense is Clicking But Still Underdog Against Ravens
Cunningham, who has long looked up to Lamar Jackson, will now have to provide intel on the mobile quarterback for the Week 3 matchup.
After a disappointing Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers, 27-13, the Lions bounced back in dominant fashion, routing the Chicago Bears 52-21.
Even after their Week 2 blowout, the Lions are still heavy underdogs in this matchup—largely because the Ravens have been explosive on offense, scoring at least 40 points in each of their first two games.
Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut wrote a prediction for this game:
“Easily our favorite game on the NFL schedule for Week 3 is the Monday Night Football bout between the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens,” he wrote. “We’re expecting plenty of fireworks. Baltimore’s defense isn’t quite as adept at stopping the run this season, which opens the door for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs to set up the play-action for Jared Goff. However, there’s equal reason to be suspicious of Detroit’s ability to contain Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. In what should be one of the best Monday Night Football games in 2025, Jackson engineers a game-winning drive that sets up Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop for the game-winning kick.”
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