Patriots Give Malik Cunningham Record-Breaking Undrafted Money; Lamar Jackson Plan B?

Former Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham will enter the New England Patriots' offseason program as the highest-paid UDFA in franchise history.

It didn't come as a shock when the New England Patriots opted not to select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.

After selecting a quarterback each of the last two years (Mac Jones 2021; Bailey Zappe 2022,) and signing Trace McSorley in free agency, New England solidified its position. However, it didn't take long for the Pats to add a quarterback following the conclusion of last weekend's draft, signing Louisville's Malik Cunningham as an undrafted free agent.

But what comes as the biggest surprise is the amount of guaranteed money they are giving the dual-threat quarterback. As reported by A to Z Sports' Doug Kyed, New England is guaranteeing $200,000 to Cunningham - the most ever for an UDFA in franchise history. 

Cunningham, who spent five seasons at Louisville, threw for 9,660 yards and 70 touchdowns while also being a dynamic runner who produced 3,179 yards and 50 touchdowns. His career rushing touchdowns tied Louisville's school record previously set by Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson.

During Jackson's contract kerfuffle this offseason, multiple reports indicated the Patriots had a serious interest in acquiring him. Former star tight end Rob Gronkowski even revealed that coach Bill Belichick always "dreamed" of a "Lamar Jackson-type" threat at quarterback.

Maybe Cunningham is Belichick's Lamar Plan B?

With the head coach finally pubicly endorsing Jones as the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, Cunningham will likely not cause any real competition. But with that kind of investment, New England expects Cunningham to have real shot at making the final roster in some capacity.

Last year after the draft the Pats signed Miami dual-threat quarterback D'Eriq King as an UDFA, but released him within a matter of weeks. 

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