Malik Cunningham

Career StatsD+

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		2	—	—	—
2025		1	0	0	0
2024		3	4	34	0
2023		2

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Lions locked up rotational receiver Malik Cunningham for $1.0M annually in what amounts to a legitimate steal, earning an A- CVI that reflects exceptional value at the position. For a player providing solid rotational production at wide receiver, securing his services at essentially minimum wage represents shrewd roster management in Detroit's increasingly competitive receiving corps. At 27, Cunningham sits in the sweet spot where he's experienced enough to contribute immediately without the declining skills that typically accompany veteran contracts. The minimal financial commitment carries virtually zero risk while providing meaningful upside if Cunningham's role expands due to injuries or scheme evolution. This is the type of low-cost, high-floor signing that allows teams to allocate premium dollars elsewhere while maintaining quality depth — exactly the kind of move that helps championship-caliber rosters like Detroit's stay competitive across multiple seasons.

Performance Analysis

Malik Cunningham grades as a rotational player among NFL wide receivers — a middle-of-the-pack player at the position. His strongest area is yards per reception at 0.00 (below the NFL average of 12.7), ranking as among the lowest in the league for the position. His per-game production indicates a depth or special-teams role rather than a featured receiver. Limited games played (2 career) reduces confidence in this grade.

Fan Sentiment

A low-risk practice squad flier on a converted quarterback with raw athletic upside. Headlines frame Cunningham as a gadget option, with one outlet noting his Alabama high school QB background. The key signal is his dual-threat versatility, though his WR development remains very much a project. Fans are intrigued by his quarterback instincts potentially unlocking trick packages in Detroit's creative offense. Cunningham faces long odds to contribute meaningfully beyond practice squad in 2024.