3 Patriots Most Likely to Be Traded by the 2024 Deadline

2. Josh Uche, EDGE

With star pass rushers Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby likely not being moved at the deadline, teams will try to see if they can steal Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith from their respective squads.

However, the 26-year-old Uche could be a nice pickup for a team looking to take a chance on a pass rusher on a one-year deal. The former second-round pick is appealing to many teams just for that reason.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Uche’s name has been floating around the trade market for the second consecutive year. The former Michigan defender re-signed with the Pats in the offseason on a one-year, $3 million deal after a down 2023 season.

The Patriots thought Uche would take off in 2023 after he had a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2022. 

But that dream never came to fruition as he only had three sacks in 15 games last year. To his credit, the 6-foot-1 outside linebacker has played better this season. Uche has posted 13 total tackles, five quarterback pressures, three quarterback hits, and two sacks in seven games (two starts).

Unlike Osborn, New England doesn’t have to trade Uche at the deadline. They could re-sign him to a multi-year deal next offseason if he can continue to make plays. However, if they don’t feel like he’s not part of their plans, the Pats are better off trying to get some value back in return.