Miami linebacker Zach McCloud signs free agent contract following 2022 NFL Draft

Former Miami linebacker Zach McCloud has signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings. McCloud will earn $250,000 guaranteed with a $225,000 base salary along with a $25,000 signing bonus, according to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson.

McCloud finished his final college season with 7.5 tackles for losses and 5.5 sacks last season and completed his Hurricane career with 193 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks while seeing the field in every season since 2016.

A medical redshirt during the 2019 season and the NCAA’s COVID-19 blanket waver for an extra year of eligibility gave McCloud the extra time needed to make a push toward his goals of a NFL future.

As former four-star recruit out of Santaluces Community, McCloud is the fourth player out of his high school to make it to the NFL, the first of which was Vince Wilfork.

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.