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Former Patriots Standout Immediately Wears Out His Welcome on New Team

A former rising star for the Patriots has been struggling on his new team.

By Cem Yolbulan

Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo watches game action from the sideline during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo watches game action from the sideline during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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The New England Patriots sent talented pass rusher Joshua Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs at this year's trade deadline. The return was a measly 2026 sixth-round pick. This was seen as selling too low for the Patriots and a heist for the Chiefs in their attempt at a historic three-peat. Fast forward six weeks, and that trade looks entirely different.

Uche has failed to establish a role on the Chiefs. His snap count declined week per week before he was a healthy scratch in Week 14 against the Chargers. Now, Chiefs insider Nate Taylor is reporting via The Drive on 96.5 The Fan that Uche's time in Kansas City is likely over. Taylor added that he would be "stunned" if we saw him in a Chiefs uniform again.

NFL News: Joshua Uche's Time in KC Coming to a Premature End

This is a disappointing ending to a disappointing few seasons. Uche will now hit free agency this winter having played only 37 defensive snaps for the Chiefs.

If someone had told us in 2022 that Uche's career trajectory would follow this path, not many would have believed them. In his third season in the NFL, Uche had registered 11.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and 14 QB hits in 15 games. Despite not having any major injuries, Uche hasn't come anywhere near those numbers again.

The 2022 campaign remains the high watermark for Uche. Without fellow talented EDGE Matthew Judon, Uche's performance fell precipitously, only recording three sacks in 2023, and two this season.

Now, the sixth-rounder in exchange for Uche doesn't look too bad for GM Eliot Wolf. This could also open the door for a potential return to Foxborough for the 26-year-old. The Chiefs, on the other hand, will continue to rely on George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, and Charles Omenihu in their defensive end rotation as they chase another Super Bowl appearance.

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