Andy Reid (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly made another significant trade ahead of the November 5 deadline, acquiring linebacker Josh Uche from the New England Patriots.
Uche moves to KC in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, with the Pats having made a move that gets them extra draft capital for a player who was not getting much playing time.
“The Chiefs have traded for LB Josh Uche per source,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on Monday. “New England will get 2026 6th round pick in return. Spags gets more help. The best get better.”
Uche was drafted by New England as a second-rounder in 2020 and experienced a breakout season in 2022, when he registered 11.5 sacks. While he was expected to continue to make an impact, his form dipped thereafter – he recorded just three sacks last season, making two over a seven-game period this term.
The Chiefs have traded for LB Josh Uche per source. New England will get 2026 6th round pick in return. Spags gets more help. The best get better.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 28, 2024
Josh Uche Could Make A Difference For The Chiefs
Despite the above, Uche is considered to be a dependable pass rusher whom the Chiefs clearly feel can help them.
The Pats had hinted he was available for trading by recently making him a healthy scratch.
He joins a Chiefs team that has gone undefeated so far but hasn’t been quite as good with its pass rush in 2024. The move follows the Chiefs’ acquisition of Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who joined via a trade from the Tennessee Titans last week.