Cunningham was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract on July 24, 2010." Cunningham agrees to 4-year pact," ESPNBoston.com (July 24, 2010). Retrieved July 25, 2010. Cunningham made his first career start in the third game of his rookie season, surpassing former starter Tully Banta-Cain, and recorded his first career sack in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens. Cunningham started 11 of 16 games played as a rookie, finishing with 27 tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles.
