Patriots Make Meaningful Quarterback Decision

The New England Patriots know how to make people talk and yes, the NFL world waits for an update on their quarterback situation. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick made a surprising quarterback decision and it’s related to undrafted free agent Malik Cunningham.

Doug Kyed from A to Z Sports was among the first to discuss Cunningham’s position with the Patriots. According to him, the player only played quarterback in the Patriots minicamp last weekend. He is an incredibly versatile player which makes him an ideal option for Belichick’s squad. The Patriots head coach will try him at several positions. Will Cunningham ever get a chance to play quarterback in New England?

The versatile player “told teams during the pre-draft process that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get on the field and help a team win.”

Your first look at #Patriots QB Malik Cunningham.

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— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) May 15, 2023

Patriots to make a big quarterback decision in training camp

Belichick has yet to make a decision on Mac Jones’ role with the team. Bailey Zappe is here and we all know that he could steal Jones’ job in training camp. The Patriots also have Trace McSorley.

NFL experts have high expectations from Cunningham. An NFL executive said that he could be an efficient receiver for the Patriots. The versatile player ran a 4.53-second time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

“So, while the first practices of his career came at quarterback, it is still possible he could switch positions or be used in certain formations near the goal line or on read-option plays in new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s offense,” Kyed wrote.

Cunningham was brilliant at Louisville. He played passer and rusher, delivering 9.660 yards passing and 70 touchdowns to go with 3,179 yards rushing and 50 touchdowns. Cunningham has great skills, but his size pushed him to the side. He is 6 feet, 190 pounds and Belichick seems to have plans for his frame.

“Cunningham doesn’t have an [Josh] Allen or [Patrick] Mahomes-like arm cannon to make magic happen out-of-structure and off-platform. If that’s what you’re hoping for, he is not that,” Lazar wrote.

The Patriots will give Cunningham $200,000 guaranteed and a $30,000 signing bonus.

“If that sounds like a lot for an undrafted rookie, it’s because it is,” Kyed wrote. “It’s the third-highest signing bonus and 14th-highest total guarantee handed out to an undrafted free agent this offseason.”