3 trades Patriots should have made before the deadline

2. A Josh Uche trade

We have talked, in length, about pass rusher Josh Uche and his contract situation. The 2022 season saw Uche truly break out, and in limited snaps on the field. It led a lot of fans to believe he deserved to be extended before he hits free agency in 2024, but the Patriots have yet to do so.

Maybe, the Patriots were planning to trade him at the deadline -- or so we thought. Already being invested in Matthew Judon at the edge position, it was possible the Patriots didn't want to pay two players at the same spot, thus allowing room for an Uche trade.

Yet, Uche was not dealt. Now, maybe his recent toe/foot injury had something to do with that. But, it isn't a serious injury and wasn't going to keep him out an extended period of time. He didn't play in Week 8 against the Dolphins, but has a chance to play in Week 9.

The pass rusher market was a busy one over the deadline, with guys like Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Leonard Williams being moved. Uche could have been another one to get dealt, but the Patriots must have a plan in place to extend him or settle for a compensatory pick, as Belichick is well-known for.