The New England Patriots signed former Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham as an undrafted free agent. But are they really looking at him to be the fourth quarterback on the roster?
According to an NFC executive, via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, Cunningham is open to playing other things besides the quarterback position, most notably receiver.
“I think he’s a receiver,” said an NFC executive, per Pelissero. “And the kid said he would do that through the process. Stud of a kid. I just don’t see quarterback out of him.”
Cunningham started 47 games for the Cardinals. He showed both his mobility and his arm at Louisville, recording 1,568 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions. Mobility is also part of his game, as he recorded 1,031 rushing yards in 2021 and 32 touchdowns in the last two seasons alone.
Cunningham is an interesting paradox to quarterback Mac Jones, who is a pocket passer. He is certainly a shot in the dark to have any sort of starting potential. However, he could be an interesting project player. New England seems somewhat committed to him, as they offered him $200,000 in guaranteed money.
The Patriots now have a quarterback room that includes the likes of Cunningham, Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and Trace McSorley. Cunningham has the skills and athleticism to potentially make noise in the quarterback room or perhaps someplace else.
