Agent: Miami quarterback D'Eriq King 'very excited' about UDFA opportunity with Patriots

Despite selecting Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have signed former  Miami quarterback D’Eriq King to an undrafted free agent deal. King, while an excited prospect to watch under center, will likely transition away from the position during his NFL career.

“He’s very excited,” King’s agent Scott Casterline said. “I thought it was the best place for him. Bill Belichick is the best coach in football. He’s going to love D’Eriq. He’s expected to play multiple positions.”

A smart move by King, look for him to move to any skill position on the field. In the slot, out wide, in the backfield. Even potentially as a wildcat quarterback in certain schemes, situations and packages.

King spent six years playing college football between Houston and Miami as the star of each team’s offense. Starting out with the Houston Cougars for his first four seasons, King started in just 22 games and was able to compile absurd numbers, putting up 6,346 yards on offense and 78 total touchdowns with the Cougars. Moving over to the Hurriances, he finished with 3,453 passing yards, 634 rushing yards, and 30 total touchdowns.

Last month, King attended a private workout with New England Patriots offensive assistant Joe Judge and his stock continued to rise before ultimately fizzing out. New England kept an eye on the dual-threat quarterback and picked him up almost immediately following the conclusion of the draft.

It won’t be likely that Zappe or King will get many reps under center for the Patriots in the coming seasons. 2021 first round pick Mac Jones proved himself to be the organization’s next franchise quarterback, leading New England to the playoffs with a 10-7 record in his first year as a pro in the NFL.