The Patriots took the next step in their rebuild mode by dealing pass rusher Josh Uche to the Chiefs for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
How did national media grade the deal? Read on:
- BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
The Athletic acknowledged that trade was a little curious from the Patriots’ standpoint.
“From a pure football perspective, this trade makes little sense for the Patriots. No, it wasn’t working with Uche, but why not? Why not spend the next 10 games trying to make it work? It won’t reflect well on New England if Uche tears it up in Kansas City.
Conversely, it’s entirely plausible we’ve all been teased by Uche’s potential to the point that we’re blinded by reality. He tears it up in practice. He tears it up in the preseason. He tore it up in 2022. But aside from 2022, Uche has nine sacks in 43 games.”
Patriots Grade: C
ESPN thought the Patriots had to get something from a guy they weren’t likely to bring back:
“As for the Patriots, Uche was an obvious candidate to move. They were able to re-sign him for cheap this offseason, but Uche is a pending free agent and New England is as far away from being a contender as a team can get. Since the Patriots have the most 2025 cap space of any team, per Roster Management, the risk of not receiving a compensatory pick for Uche had they kept him and let him walk in free agency was high.”
Patriots Grade: B
Yahoo generally thought it was a good deal for them:
“Uche was on an expiring contract and didn’t seem to factor into New England’s future at the position. You do wonder if the team could have gotten a better pick, but there’s really no use in playing hypotheticals. It’s a really smart bet for Kansas City, and it’s a mindful move for New England about where it is right now. If you want to quibble about whether the Pats could’ve gotten a fifth-rounder instead of a sixth-rounder, that’s fine. However, this is what rebuilding teams do.”
Patriots grade: B+
TSN thought it was part of a major overhaul.
“The Patriots also are struggling in the pass rush, so giving up Uche is curious. But the team likely also realized they weren’t interested in re-signing Uche beyond 2024. The fact that New England couldn’t get help for the 2025 NFL draft knocks their grade down a few notches, but a sixth-rounder next year still has value.
It’s difficult to know what the Patriots post-Bill Belichick plan is on defense. But it’s certain that they are headed for a massive overhaul of personnel for Jerod Mayo over the next few years.”
Patriots grade: B–
