The New England Patriots have traded linebacker Josh Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs, a decision made the day after Uche was inactive for the team’s Week 8 victory against the New York Jets. The Patriots will receive a sixth-round pick in 2026 from Kansas City as part of the deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Uche had been included in trade discussions in recent days as the NFL’s trade deadline approaches on November 5. The 26-year-old linebacker transitions from a struggling 2-6 Patriots squad to an undefeated Chiefs team with strong Super Bowl ambitions.
Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Uche spent four seasons at the University of Michigan before joining the Patriots. He played nine games in his rookie season, achieving just one sack. Uche had a breakout year in 2022, recording a career-high 11.5 sacks over 15 games, along with two forced fumbles and 27 combined tackles. His performance was notably elevated alongside star pass-rusher Matthew Judon.
However, Uche’s production declined in 2023, where he managed only three sacks in 15 games, and faced reduced playing time in 2024, culminating in two sacks across seven games. In Week 4 of the current season against the San Francisco 49ers, he played 40 defensive snaps, which was his peak for the year.
The Chiefs are currently tied for 24th in the NFL with only 15 sacks this season, matching the same total as the Patriots, Steelers, and Cardinals. Kansas City is optimistic that a new environment and potential playoff participation can help Uche recapture his impressive form from 2022.
Over his five-year NFL career, Uche has accumulated 20.5 sacks, 34 QB hits, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 58 games. He returned to the Patriots this offseason on a one-year, $3 million contract after reportedly declining a two-year, $15 million offer from another team.
Uche’s trade may signal the beginning of an active trade period for the rebuilding Patriots, as the team’s front office is reportedly open to various proposals leading up to the deadline.