Josh Uche: According to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Kansas City Chiefs have traded for pass rusher Josh Uche from the New England Patriots in a significant move ahead of the November 5 NFL trade deadline. The Chiefs will send a sixth-round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to New England as part of this transaction.
Josh Uche, a second-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2020, has established himself as a formidable edge rusher, amassing 20.5 sacks over 58 career games with New England. Despite his potential, Uche was notably inactive during the Patriots’ recent 25-22 victory over the New York Jets, which raised eyebrows and set the stage for a potential trade.
Uche’s performance has seen fluctuations; after a standout season in 2022 where he recorded 11.5 sacks, he has struggled to replicate that success this year, tallying just two sacks in seven games. However, his ability to apply pressure remains valuable, as reflected in his Pro Football Focus pass rush grade of 72.7, ranking him 31st among 183 edge players. This statistic, combined with his young age of 26 and an affordable one-year contract worth $1.3 million, makes Uche an attractive addition for the cash-strapped Chiefs.
The trade addresses the Chiefs’ need for bolstering their defensive line and adds depth to their pass-rushing capabilities. As the team continues its quest for another Super Bowl title, acquiring Uche could prove to be a strategic move to enhance their defensive performance as they head into the second half of the season.
With the NFL trade deadline fast approaching, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Uche integrates into the Chiefs’ defensive scheme and if he can regain his form as a disruptive force on the field.
