A day after being a healthy inactive for the Patriots last-second win over the New York Jets, Joshua Uche is now reportedly on the move to Kansas City with ESPN's Adam Schefter and others reporting that the Pats will get back a 2026 6th-rounder in return.

It's a disappointing ending in New England for Uche, who was initially a promising young pass rusher who peaked in 2022 with 11.5 sacks. But over the last two seasons, without talented bookend edge player Matthew Judon, Uche's production was far more pedestrian, registering just three sacks in 2023 and two through seven games in 2024.

Initially, upon his arrival, the Patriots tried Uche in a variety of spots, including off-the-ball linebacker but ultimately Uche the pro ended up in a similar spot to Uche the Michigan Wolverine as an athletic pass rusher who is limited to playing off the edge on passing downs.

Uche's athleticism was another notable trait, he could often run down the most mobile quarterbacks, but his contributions became more limited in recent seasons, even as the edge group was thinned by departures and injuries. He could never seem to find a permanent full-time role.

Coming off a disappointing 2023, Uche signed a surprising one-year deal to return to the Patriots in 2024 but again found himself a similar part-time player for a defense that was going through a major transition.

Kansas City is unlikely to ask Uche to do anything other than what he does best, get after the quarterback. However, it will be interesting to see how respected defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo deploys his newest pass-rushing piece.

A 2026 6th-round pick won't move the needle much in New England, but Eliot Wolf continues to stack resources to rebuild with. The team is currently projected with 10 2025 picks and eight 2026 picks.

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