FOXBOROUGH, Mass – With Bill Belichick making a surprising roster move on Tuesday, there was one main question: why? 

After waiving Malik Cunningham, Belichick addressed this decision with reporters on Wednesday morning. However, as expected, he didn't give much away. 

"Doing what's best for the team," Belichick said. 

And when asked if he intends to bring Cunningham back on the practice squad, he gave a short answer. 

"If he's not claimed," Belichick said. 

This was an interesting move by the Patriots, who signed Cunningham to the active roster just 10 days ago. And in New England's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Cunningham served as the backup quarterback to Jones with Bailey Zappe being the emergency third. 

His time with the Patriots has been one of surprise, with the young quarterback shocking many during the preseason.

Cunningham was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft. He impressed in the preseason, showing off his speed while in the pocket.

In the Patriots preseason opener, Cunningham began that game as a receiver but later replaced Trace McSorley in the fourth quarter. And what happened next had everyone on the edge of their seat.

Cunningham had the most success of any of the Patriots backup quarterbacks, leading the team into the end zone. And New England can thank his ability to read the defense and utilize his speed as the reason for getting its only touchdown of the night.

However, he along with Zappe were waived on cutdown day.

Yet, the two have been battling it out for that back up spot. 

If all goes according to plan and no other team makes a move for the young quarterback, it is expected that the Patriots will re-sign him to the practice squad. 

Patriots waive Malik Cunningham following big Mac Jones performance

The situation continues to get weirder.