The Patriots aren't going anywhere with Mac Jones at quarterback; they might as well see where rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham can take them.
On Saturday, New England laid the foundation for a potential changing of the guard at quarterback by taking Cunningham off its practice squad and signing him to a three-year contract, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Rather than an elevation, Malik Cunningham is being signed to the 53-man roster with a three-year deal, source said. https://t.co/4laeepzref
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 14, 2023
Cunningham had a promising preseason, which included a nine-yard touchdown run against the Texans. His dual-threat capabilities would give the Patriots a dimension they are sorely lacking. The offensive line is a mess, so turning toward a mobile quarterback (even if he is a rookie) could help.
MALIK CUNNINGHAM JUKES A GUY OUT OF HIS SHOES AND POUNDS IT INTO THE END ZONE FOR THE SCORE! pic.twitter.com/p6T5tce99B
— Ben Brown (@BenBrownPL) August 11, 2023
The move might not happen until later in the season, but that's only because the Patriots appear to have a design for Cunningham similar to how the Saints use Taysom Hill.
On Friday, Belichick hinted at Cunningham moving to the active roster, telling reporters, "Malik has really worked hard and made a lot of improvement. He never really played in the kicking game at Louisville. So he's started to show up there."
Belichick continued, adding that Cunningham "never played receiver and that didn't look very good either in the spring, but he's really improved there."
Bill Belichick on Malik Cunningham: https://t.co/9cGMxS1MOJ pic.twitter.com/OkO45UpNKt
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 13, 2023
It makes sense for the Patriots to slowly add to Cunningham's plate as he gets comfortable in the NFL. They need to be cautious about injury, however. Jones and backup Bailey Zappe aren't moving the needle, so New England should take an extended look at the offense with Cunningham at quarterback at some point this season.
He appeared in 56 games at Louisville from 2018-22. Cunningham's best season came in 2021 when he had 2,941 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, adding 1,034 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground.
Cunningham might be better in a jack-of-all-trades role in the NFL than as a quarterback, but the Patriots will only learn what they have in their exciting rookie by giving him the keys to the offense.
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