Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Former Patriot Forced to Watch Super Bowl LIX From Sidelines

By Cem Yolbulan

Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles as New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) chases him during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles as New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) chases him during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

When the Kansas City Chiefs acquired Joshua Uche from the New England Patriots, it was considered a steal for the back-to-back Super Bowl winners. Trading for a proven pass rusher for only a sixth-round pick was thought to be a brilliant move by the Chiefs' front office.

Things didn't go according to the plan for Uche in Kansas City. The fifth-year defender found it hard to crack the rotation, only appearing in six games and 87 defensive snaps. Fifty of those snaps came in Week 18 when the Chiefs rested their starters. He has been a healthy scratch for more games than he appeared since his acquisition at the deadline.

Now, Uche is forced to watch the Super Bowl from the sidelines. The Chiefs announced their inactive list for the game against the Eagles, and per team insider Matt Derrick, the former Patriot is among the healthy scratches.

Joshua Uche Once Again Inactive for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX

This is a sharp fall from grace for Uche. The former second-round pick had shown intriguing flashes early in his career in New England. In his third year in the league, he had a breakout season, putting up 11.5 sacks, 14 QB hits, and nine tackles for loss in 15 games. He was one of the best defenders on the Patriots for that season. In 2023, he took a step back but signed a one-year deal in the 2024 offseason to prove himself and get back on the market after a season.

This season, however, only did more damage to his reputation. He is hitting free agency again, and it's hard to see him re-sign in Kansas City. The Patriots, with a new coaching staff and defensive coordinator, could perhaps benefit from bringing Uche in in the offseason.

More New England Patriots news and rumors:

feed

Home/New England Patriots