The New England Patriots have signed rookie quarterback/wide receiver Malik Cunningham to a three-year deal. Cunningham spent the early part of the 2023 season on the team’s practice squad.
The Louisville product reportedly received a contract worth $2.725 million that comes with $200K in guaranteed money.
Cunningham played 56 games during his five years at Louisville, throwing for 9,660 yards and 70 touchdowns. He joined the Pats as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft before being released and re-signed to the team’s practice squad.
New England is struggling on the offense throughout the first five games of the season, ranking last in the league in points per game. By adding Cunningham to the roster, the Pats are likely hoping to install some plays that will allow them to use his speed and catch some teams off guard.
Cunningham isn’t expected to dethrone Mac Jones as the team’s starting signal-caller but might get the opportunity to play meaningful snaps either as a situational quarterback or a wide receiver.
Earlier this week, Pats’ head coach Bill Belichick praised Cunningham and hinted he might see the field at some point this season.
“Malik has really worked hard and made a lot of improvement,” Belichick said at the time. “Anybody that keeps improving, eventually you’ll probably get an opportunity to play.”
