Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham signs deal following 2023 NFL Draft
One of the most exciting players in all of college football is on to the NFL, as former Louisville Cardinals quarterback Malik Cunningham signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The deal reportedly includes a $170,000 base salary with a $30,000 signing bonus.
Over five seasons with Louisville, Cunningham passed for 9,660 yards, 70 touchdowns and just 29 interceptions. Additionally, he did some serious damage with his legs, amassing 3,179 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns on 618 rushing attempts.
As you can see, Cunningham has dual-threat ability, and that certainly piqued the interest of many franchises. Whether it’s at quarterback or maybe even some snaps at running back, he’ll be a problem for defenses to guard on the field.
Cunningham is a former three-star recruit out of Park Crossing (AL) who was a member of the 2017 recruiting cycle, and was ranked as the No. 496 recruit in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
It remains to be seen in Malik Cunningham can electrify with the Patriots like he did with Louisville, but college football fans will always have a special place in their heart for the joy he was to watch throughout his time with the Cardinals.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about former Louisville QB Malik Cunningham
Moreover, NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlien examined almost every prospect available in the 2023 NFL Draft, and here’s the conclusions he drew regarding Malik Cunningham.
“Dual-threat quarterback who was much more effective as a runner than he was as a passer in 2022,” wrote Zierlein. “Cunningham’s build is slighter than teams typically like at quarterback, and his accuracy is spotty. He possesses premium running talent for zone-read and quarterback draws, and he can turn a lack of contain into a huge play with his legs.
“Teams will need to decide how Cunningham would fit into an offense, but his ability to make explosive plays with his legs should not be discounted.”
Additionally, Zierlien listed Cunningham’s strengths as follows, “Dynamic athlete with intriguing dual-threat capabilities. Stresses defenses from RPO and zone-read looks. Decent passing accuracy when in rhythm. Instant burst to outrace pursuit to the corner. Vision like a running back in the open field. Consistently eludes tacklers in all areas of the field.”
After a fruitful couple of seasons with Louisville, Malik Cunningham will hope to translate his talents into a successful NFL career, with all of Cardinals faithful rooting for him.