With the 2024 NFL trade deadline nearing, the Patriots were quick to make a move after their latest win over the Jets by trading linebacker Joshua Uche to the Chiefs. The former second-round pick had struggled in his return to New England this season and was ultimately a healthy scratch in Week 8, which set up his eventual trade.
The linebackers have struggled since Matthew Judon was traded to the Falcons in the preseason, forcing Jerod Mayo to constantly test out new starting lineups over the first eight games. That, coupled with Uche's continued struggles, had him sidelined for what would be his last game with the team. Now, he will be joining a perennial Super Bowl contender in hopes of creating a permanent position in the AFC West.
It's an unfortunate turn of events for Uche, who chose to sign a one-year deal with the Patriots instead of taking more money with other teams in free agency. He was excited to play for Jerod Mayo and knew he was receiving a prove-it deal, but despite the big opportunity this year, he was unable to replicate his 2022 season.
So he was traded to the Chiefs for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, which drew a lot of criticism. Considering how much the new regime wants to build a roster through the draft, it seemed getting a pick next year would've served the team better. But apparently that wasn't an option.
Patriots options were limited in trading Joshua Uche ahead of the deadline
Because Uche drew quite a bit of interest around the trade deadline last year, there was a belief that would also be the case this year. However, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Chiefs were the only team expressing legitimate interest in getting a trade done for the linebacker this week.
“They were trading him all along. The Chiefs were the team that was interested, and now it’s official. He’ll be a Kansas City Chief.”
BREAKING NEWS: Josh Uche has been traded to the Kansas City Chiefs #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/1qK1ESOLTd
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 28, 2024
That takes a bit of heat off the Patriots for accepting a 2026 pick for Uche, who was reportedly set on dealing him ahead of the deadline, no matter what. Given his less-than-impressive 2024 season so far, it's not surprising that teams who might have been interested last year weren't inquiring about him now, essentially forcing the Patriots to trade him to the Chiefs even if it's not exactly what they were hoping to do.
At the end of the day, at least it's an extra selection in the draft, even if it isn't this upcoming year. That's something to celebrate as the team continues to go through a rebuild.