'Unique Skill Set': Patriots' Malik Cunningham Receives Praise

The New England Patriots signed UDFA Malik Cunningham following April's draft, but could the Louisville product crack the 53-man roster?

When the New England Patriots signed quarterback Malik Cunningham as an undrafted free agent, the belief was immediately there. In the moments following the draft, New England signed the Louisville product to a record-breaking $200,000 deal - the richest ever for a UDFA in franchise history. 

And while the quarterback position appears solidified in New England with former first-round pick Mac Jones, Cunningham's ability as a dual-threat option brings a new element offensively. 

“He will be one of the most dynamic players when he’s on the field,” Lance Taylor, Cunningham’s offensive coordinator at Louisville last season said via ESPN. “He can turn a bad play into a home run and a special play quicker than just about anyone I’ve seen, especially at the quarterback position. He’s so unique with his skill set."

I’ve been fortunate to be around some great quarterbacks, with Cam Newton, and the Jets in the Rex Ryan era, and some great college quarterbacks. He’s one of the most dynamic and explosive playmakers that you will get.”

Coming out of high school as a three-star recruit, Cunningham received an offer to play safety at Alabama, but followed his passion at quarterback to Louisville where he'd play for the next five seasons. Following in the footsteps of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, the 5-11, 192-pound signal caller certainly did not disappoint over his tenure. 

In four seasons as a starter, Cunningham racked up 70 passing touchdowns and 50 rushing scores while becoming just the fourth player in school history to amass 10,000 yards of total offense.  

“I think he’s a quarterback, first and foremost," Taylor said. "He absolutely has the skills and tools to be able to play at that level Whatever role he’s asked to do, he’ll thrive in it. That’s one thing that I found with him, there wasn’t anything we could give him that he couldn’t do or figure out and be good at.”

Cunningham is currently listed fourth on the Patriots depth chart behind Jones, Bailey Zappe and Trace McSorley. 

---

Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard

Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.