Transition-tagging Kyle Dugger and re-signing Kendrick Bourne and Michael Onwenu, the Patriots are doing well to retain their own. Another player mentioned in 2023 trade talks is sticking around under Jerod Mayo.
Josh Uche will stay with the Patriots on a one-year deal, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo report.
After breaking through for a productive 2022 season, Uche took a step back last year. But the Pats will be the team that authorizes the Michigan alum’s ‘prove it’ pact.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated adds the contract is worth $3M but has a maximum value of $8M via incentives.
As the NFL Network report notes, Uche had “much more on the table elsewhere” with respect to interest from outside suitors. The former second-rounder showed considerable potential as a sack artist in 2022, posting 11.5 sacks. He has not developed into a regular on defense due to deficiencies against the run, but teams are regularly willing to spend for sack production.
Instead of trying to carve out a larger role with a new team, Uche will prepare for a fifth New England campaign. The 25-year-old saw his sack total drop to three in 2023, with his QB pressures also falling from 25 to 15.
He was limited to 15 games last year (as was the case in 2022), and injuries were a factor taken into consideration on the trade front. In spite of that, New England came very close to working out a trade. In the end, no swap martialized, and Uche later confirmed his desire for a Patriots re-up.
The 240-pounder is undersized compared to most edge rushers, something which has been a factor in determining his playing time. Uche has seen snap shares between 30% and 38% throughout his career, and the potential classification as a part-time contributor no doubt worked against him.
Nevertheless, Uche has elected to turn down more money to play under Mayo in 2024. Team and player could reap the rewards if a productive campaign ensues.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
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