EDITOR'S NOTE: This piece was originally published in August during the Patriots' preseason. Ahead of Week 6, the team made a huge roster decision by signing rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham to the 53-man roster. And it's not just a practice squad elevation as he signed a three-year deal. We're updating the piece for fans interested in the new member of the roster. 

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots might have just found their secret weapon.

While Mac Jones seems to have the starting spot locked down, the real quarterback competition is who will be behind him on the depth chart. 

And one undrafted free agent is making a strong case for that spot. 

In the Patriots preseason opener, Cunningham began that game as a receiver but later replaced Trace McSorley in the fourth quarter. And what happened next had everyone on the edge of their seat. 

Cunningham had the most success of any of the Patriots backup quarterbacks, leading the team into the end zone. And New England can thank his ability to read the defense and utilize his speed as the reason for getting its only touchdown of the night. 

As Cunningham said, he saw the Texans defensive line "part like the red sea."

His willingness to do "whatever the coaches need me to do," proves that he is willing to play at quarterback or receiver. Plus his knowledge of both positions will certainly make him more valuable to the team. 

Where does Patriots' Malik Cunningham come from? 

The Montgomery, Ala. native was ranked the No. 1 quarterback in Alabama and committed to play at the University of Louisville. After redshirting his first season (2017), Cunningham played for five years, appearing in 49 games. There he recorded 2771 rushing yards and 47 rushing touchdowns, along with 656 completions for 9,308 yards and 28 interceptions. 

He signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft. 

What did the scouts say about Cunningham?

 His strengths as a player are his shifty footwork and improvisational skills to escape pressure and extend plays. Overall, Cunningham is an instinctive athlete with natural run skill, but he is undersized and his inconsistent throwing mechanics affect his accuracy. An NFL team would be wise to figure out how to utilize his playmaking talent. 

– Dane Brugler's 2023 Draft Guide, The Athletic

Why did the Patriots sign the undrafted free agent?

New England saw that Cunningham could add value to the team, but maybe not in the way that other teams expected. 

The Patriots were the only team to try Cunningham out at wide receiver before the 2023 NFL Draft, and despite the fact that he had never run routes before, he made an impression. 

And it's no secret that New England has had success taking college quarterbacks and turning them into one-of-a-kind receivers. 

Julian Edelman's story is similar, with the Patriots drafting the quarterback from Kent State in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He was switched to a receiver, and later became a Super Bowl MVP. 

So it's clear to say it was a success. 

And that was part of the reason Cunningham knew that the Patriots were the right place for him. 

“Seeing the success he had a receiver, it just goes to show that it can be done,” Cunningham said during Mandatory Minicamp in June. 

And Edelman later visited during one training camp practice, which only served as more inspiration for the rookie. 

“I just feel like they took a chance on me and I wouldn’t have come here if they didn’t think I could do it. So it’s always good to see somebody before you do it and be able to watch them,” Cunningham said. “You’re not going to be exactly him. Nobody is. He’s one of a kind. Just the type of player he is and just trying to pick different stuff from his game and add it to mine.

Yet, the one difference being seen early on is Cunningham is getting practice as both a receiver and quarterback. So while Edelman was only used primarily in one position, maybe Cunningham will be used in two. 

Learn more about Malik Cunningham: 

• Two-in-one: Patriots' Malik Cunningham makes loud statement in preseason loss
• Patriots' undrafted rookie gets unmatched advice from Julian Edelman
• Patriots notable offseason addition clarifies role with team
• Patriots rookie quarterback was better off going undrafted 

Two-in-one: Patriots’ Malik Cunningham makes loud statement in preseason loss

The undrafted free agent out of Louisville has returned to his college position in recent days.

Featured Image via Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports