Report: Louisville QB Malik Cunningham Signs UDFA Deal with Patriots

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham has signed an undrafted free agent deal with the New England Patriots, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Cunningham was one of 13 former Cardinals to go undrafted this year, and is the first former Cardinal to sign an undrafted free agent deal. Offensive lineman Trevor Reid and running back Tiyon Evans also signed UDFA deals, and three Louisville players were selected in this year's draft.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound signal caller had a bit of a down 2022 campaign by his standards, partially assisted by injuries. Playing in 10 games this past season with nine starts, Cunningham completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 1,568 yards and eight touchdowns to five interceptions. The dual threat QB also rushed for 565 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Still, it was enough for him to re-write the Louisville record books. Cunningham finished his Cardinals career with 120 touchdowns responsible for, surpassing Lamar Jackson for the most in Louisville history. His 12,848 career yards ranks second to Jackson, and his 50 career rushing touchdowns are also tied with the former Heisman Trophy winner.

His 3,184 rushing yards rank third in school history behind Jackson and Walter Peacock, his 9,664 career passing yards rank fourth and his 70 career passing touchdowns rank fifth.

Cunningham's best season came in 2021. That year, he finished the year fifth in the ACC in rushing yards with 1,031, and fourth nationally in rushing touchdowns with 20. Not to mention that was on top of a 62.0 percent completion rate for 2,941 yards and 19 touchdowns through the air to only six interceptions. His 305.5 yards per game was good for fifth in the ACC and 14th nationally.

(Photo of Malik Cunningham: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports)

You can follow Louisville Report for future coverage by liking us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:

Facebook - @LouisvilleReport
Twitter - @UofLReport
Instagram - @louisville_report

You can also follow Deputy Editor Matthew McGavic at @Matt_McGavic on Twitter