Patriots LB Josh Uche
NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo sent an interesting tweet. Josh Uche, an edge rusher, had accepted a one-year contract and had better offers elsewhere, according to Garafolo, who announced that the Patriots had reached an agreement on a new contract with him.
On Twitter/X, Garafolo wrote: “Sources tell me and @RapSheet that the #Patriots and LB Josh Uche have agreed to terms to return to New England on a one-year deal. The second-round pick in 2020 returns to Foxboro despite having far more options available to him elsewhere.
Now, via Tom Pelissero, Garafolo’s NFL Network colleague, come more specifics on what Uche left on the table to remain with the Patriots.
Josh Uche had multiple offers, one of which was for $15 million spread over two years with a complete guarantee of $11 million. However, his heart was in New England, so he decided to come back for less—a $3 million, one-year contract with a $8 million option. Rarely does a player decide everything without pursuing financial gain, according to Pelissero.
In 2023, Josh Uche’s Play SankÂ
Although Uche’s desire to stay in New England is not surprising, it is surprising that he gave up so much opportunity for financial gain in order to do so. Although it’s clear that the Patriots like Uche, they also realise that he needs to find a way to play more frequently on the field than only when the offence is passing the ball.
Uche participated in 15 games in the previous season, although his sack total fell sharply from 11.5 in 2022 to 3.0. In addition to playing less snaps than in 2022—his total dropped from 374 to 331—his QB hits decreased from 14 to six.
Because of this, a one-year contract makes some sense. Uche needs to get back on track, and if he can do so in 2024, he’ll be in a position to sign a much larger contract in 2025.
About him, Pro Football Focus stated: “Despite injuries to important players like Matthew Judon in New England, Uche’s role diminished.” Uche, a pure designated pass-rusher, is still useful since he can be used on late downs to go home for timely pressures and sacks and pin his ears back. Maybe the best course of action right now is to take a one-year flyer to increase his stock back up.
Patriots Make a Good Offer
Additionally logical is Uche’s desire to reestablish his worth with the Patriots, who have supported him ever since selecting him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He wasn’t a starter in college and has never been a reliable starter in the NFL. He might be too tiny to be an every-down outside presence at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds.
Though there have been long-standing rumours, he has not moved inside.
A possible reason for Uche’s choice to stay in New England was the presence of a new head coach, linebacker Jerod Mayo. Maybe Mayo convinced Uche of his intentions for his growth this season.
But Uche has always stated that he wanted to be in New England, and Bill Belichick, the former coach, predicted that he would stay in the area.
“This is my first time going through free agency, so I really don’t know what to expect,” Uche said in December to the team website. I want to go where I’m wanted, and I want to go where anyone wants me.
The squad, in my opinion, plays everything close to the vest. I understand from my interaction with Coach [Belichick] that the Patriots would prefer to keep him. Again, though, words are words. It all boils down to deeds in the end.
