2023-05-14 23:04:59
Mike ReissReading: 3 min.
The former Louisville quarterback was one of the most coveted rookie free agents at the end of the 2023 draft
FOXBOROUGH — Los New England Patriots have had an undrafted rookie free agent stay on their 53-man season-opening roster for 19 straight years, tying the Denver Broncos for the longest streak in the NFL.
In a smaller-than-usual crop of 2023, the quarterback of Louisville, Malik Cunninghampresents the best opportunity to continue that streak, and the possibilities as a dual weapon are intriguing.
“He will be one of the most dynamic players when he is on the pitch,” he declared. Lance Tayloroffensive coordinator of Cunningham in Louisville last season, and currently head coach of Western Michigan. “He can turn a bad play into a home run and special play faster than anyone he’s ever 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 Newtonand the Jets in the age of Rex Ryanand some great college quarterbacks. [Cunningham] He’s one of the most dynamic and explosive players you’ll see.”
The 5-foot-11, 192-pound quarterback started 47 games for Louisvillewhere the former wide receiver for the Patriots, Deion Branch, serves as director of player development and student relations. had received an offer from Alabama to play safety, but chose to stay in Louisville because he wanted to line up as a quarterback and follow in the footsteps of the star of the Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson.
He finished his career with 692 completions of 1,105 attempts for 9,664 yards with 70 touchdowns and 29 interceptions, but it was as a speedy rusher that he shone the most, adding 619 carries for 3,184 yards and 50 touchdowns.
Los Patriotswho finished 32nd in the red zone last year, 28th in first downs, and scored just 31 offensive touchdowns, can benefit from that kind of electricity he showed Cunningham at the collegiate level.
Maybe the new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien you have a “read-option” package in mind. Possibly a trick play for a crucial game situation. It might be game planning and helping the defense prepare when facing dynamic quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eaglesstarting in Week 1. Or, maybe it’s as simple as adding talent at the position, which is always good business in this league.
Cunningham He is currently fourth in the roster order of New Englandin back of Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and the recently signed Trace McSorley. Los Patriots They’ve carried three quarterbacks on the season-opening roster in each of the past four years, so there’s a clear path for the native of Montgomery, Alabamato jump to McSorley and keep that streak of rookie undrafted free agents alive.
“I think he’s a quarterback, first of all. He absolutely has the ability and the tools to play at that level,” he said. Taylor. “Whatever role they might play him, he’s going to shine in it. It’s one thing I found with him, there was nothing I mightn’t do or figure out, and be good at.”
Cunningham, who captained the team in 2022, was one of the most drafted free agents at the end of the draft. His contract included $200,000 in guaranteed money, a total on par with a low-round pick.
“Malik He’s a great leader, he prepares the right way, he loves American football, he’s a great teammate,” said Taylor. “He’s a quiet leader, but when called for, he can definitely take command and be a vocal presence.
“I think one of the things that stood out to me when I first met him, we were in summer conditioning, and he was winning every single drill with the fastest receivers, running backs and skill position players on the team. He’s a competitor.”
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