When Malik Cunningham joined the Patriots via undrafted free agency, we figured it was to be a project quarterback. It is even possible he would have been the practice qb for plans against players like Lamar Jackson. Of course one could also consider Danny Etling, who they also picked up years ago and converted to wide receiver (and famously Edelmen before that). If the preseason opener against the Texans is an indicator, Cunningham could be a mixture of both for New England.

In his preseason debut he went in as the QB3 (Mac Jones did not play), and finished ¾ for 19 yards, while also rushing for 34 yards and a touchdown on 5 carries. While he provided a spark to the offense (though it is the preseason) it has been his versatility in practice that has earned him praise. Cunningham has worked with both the quarterbacks and the receivers and is improving at both according to Belichick. With the Patriots also bringing in TikTok mega star Trace McSorely (throw it on a dime), it seems likely Bill O’Brien has a couple plays or packages in mind for an uber athlete that can run, throw, or catch. We would imagine it will look very similar to what New Orleans has done with Taysom Hill. The best ability in football is availability, the second is versatility, and Cunningham is certainly taking advantage of both to try and crack the roster.