Report: Pats sign QB Malik Cunningham to 3-year deal

The New England Patriots signed quarterback Malik Cunningham to a three-year deal, NFL Network reported Saturday.

The team announced he had been elevated to the 53-man roster for Sunday's game but did not announce the signing.

Cunningham, a dual-threat quarterback, signed with the Patriots as a rookie free agent in May, then was released on Aug. 9 and signed to the practice squad the following day.

"He's a smart kid, works hard and, the opportunities he's had, he's shown a lot of improvement," head coach Bill Belichick said this week.

In parts of five seasons at Louisville, the undrafted Cunningham, 25, threw for 9,664 yards and 70 touchdowns and ran for 3,182 yards and 50 touchdowns.

The Patriots also activated wide receiver Tyquan Thornton and placed linebacker Matthew Judon (elbow) and offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (knee) on injured reserve.

Defensive lineman Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and wide receiver Jalen Reagor were elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.