Patriots to sign UDFA QB Malik Cunningham

Cunningham succeeded Lamar Jackson at Louisville in 2018, having been drawn by the team’s willingness to play the latter at quarterback. They did the same with Cunningham, allowing him a lengthy career with the Cardinals.

Cunningham started 47-of-56 games during his time at Louisville, demonstrating an ability both through the air and on the ground throughout his collegiate career. He totaled 9,664 passing yards (on a completion percentage of 62.6), and posted a 70/29 TD/INT. He also added 3,184 yards (averaging 5.1 per carry) and 50 touchdowns on the ground, giving him the all-time school record for total scores.

The 24-year-old signal-aller thus has one of the more unique profiles amongst the many signal-callers who either heard their names called on Day 3 or have been signed to free agent deals post-draft. Cunningham's frame (5-foot-11, 192 pounds) and lack of development as a passer during his time in the FBS, however, represent a cause for concern regarding his potential at the NFL level. That concern explains his drop out of the draft, though New England’s sizeable investment in him demonstrates the competition they presumably faced to sign him.

The Patriots have been at the heart of plenty of QB speculation this offseason, of course, with Mac Jones‘ status as the undisputed starter coming into question. New England was connected to Kentucky QB Will Levis after he visited the team prior to the draft, but they elected not to add a passer when push came to shove.

2022 fourth-rounder Bailey Zappe and recent signing Trace McSorley comprise the rest of the team’s QB depth chart. Cunningham will look to compete for a role along with those two quarterbacks come training camp, as he begins what he no-doubt hopes could be an intriguing NFL career.