The New England Patriots were able to bring back many of their key players in free agency this offseason. That included Josh Uche.
And what this whole situation even better was that the Patriots linebacker actually took less money to return to New England.
When speaking with reporters, he addressed the report that there were other options for more money and why he ultimately returned.
“There were some options on the table, but in my heart, I felt that I was destined to be a Patriot. Despite what I was offered, I felt like this was my calling to be a Patriot,” Uche said. “I felt like it’s what I was destined to do. It’s where I went to be. I don’t want to be anywhere else. So, gotta do what you gotta do – follow your heart.”
It was NFL Network who reported that Uche had "several offers, including one worth $15 million over two years with $11 million fully guaranteed." However, he ultimately signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Patriots that could go to $8 million after incentives and performance bonuses.
So it's clear his decision wasn't about money.
“It was interesting. I had a lot of people calling me crazy,” Uche said. “A lot of people focus on the financial parts of the decision. But I feel like the team that gave me an opportunity, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. I can’t envision myself playing for another team. However that shakes out, I just know at the end of the day, the ball was in my court, and this is the dream that I want to fulfill – to be a Patriot.”
Uche spoke with A to Z Sports in December about free agency and how his mindset was going into this uncertain time.
And he had one goal with whatever team he was going to sign with.
“I just want to be somewhere where I’m wanted," he said. "I mean, at the end of the day, somewhere where (I’m) appreciated and all those good things. But at the end of the day, I just want to win, I want to contribute, I want to do whatever it takes to help my team win. And wherever that may be, whether it be here, there, anywhere, I just want to play ball.”
So it was clear the Patriots wanted him. And it didn't take money for them to show that.
So he isn't going anywhere for at least one more year. And who knows, maybe more years to come if another deal is made.
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