


The Patriots neglected two important positions during the draft, then addressed them almost immediately after it ended.
According to reports, the Pats signed undrafted free agents Malik Cunningham, a Louisville quarterback, and Johnny Lumpkin, a blocking tight end from Louisiana.
Cunningham is an ultra athletic passer who replaced Lamar Jackson at Louisville and scored 120 career touchdowns. Last season, he missed time due to injury and completed 62.3% of his passes for 1,568 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 560 yards and 12 touchdowns at a five yards per carry average.
According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, there was competition for Malik Cunningham’s services, and the Patriots landed him offering a $30,000 signing bonus and $170,000 base salary. NFL reporter Doug Kyed reported Cunningham received $200,000 in total guarantees, a strong indication he has a good shot of making the team.
Cunningham is reportedly open to a position change and blazed a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. As a high school player, he was recruited to Alabama to play safety.
Lumpkin, at 6-foot-6 and 266 pounds, was a one-year starter in college. He caught 16 passes for 143 yards and four touchdowns last season. He joins Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Matt Sokol and Scotty Washington on the team’s depth chart.