Patriots Re-Signing Turned Down Shocking Offer to Stay in New England
The New England Patriots have been very busy in free agency as they prepare to enter a new era. While New England hasn't made many outside signings, there've been plenty of re-signings, like linebacker Josh Uche.
It turns out Uche could've made a lot more money than he's slated to get from the Pats in 2024, however.
OLB Josh Uche really wanted to return to the Patriots. He turned down a two-year, $15M offer that included $11M guaranteed from another team, per source. And he accepted a one-year, $3M deal worth up to $8M to return to New England. @TheAthleticNFL
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 13, 2024
Jeff Howe of the Athletic reports Uche rejected a two-year, $15 million deal (with $11 million guaranteed) to take the one-year offer from New England.
Instead, Uche is set to earn just $2.3 million guaranteed from the Patriots in 2024, while hitting certain incentives can push his payment up to $8 million for this season.
Patriots OLB Josh Uche's one-year, $3M contract includes $2.3M guaranteed, $1M signing bonus.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) March 13, 2024
$1.3M 2024 salary fully guaranteed
$510k in per-game roster bonuses, $190k workout bonus, up to $5M in playing time, sacks, Pro Bowl incentives for max $8M deal
It's a shock to see Uche leave so much money on the table and instead sacrifice short-term earnings for a very team-friendly deal. After all, there's no guarantee an offer like this is available again next offseason.
That being said, Uche has every right to bet on himself for the 2024 campaign. His 3.0 sacks this past season were a major disappointment, but the year prior he burst onto the scene with a whopping 11.5 mark. That kind of production would've got him seriously paid if it preceded him hitting the open market.
Uche has shown he has the ability to be a top pass-rusher, so this choice signals he's confident he can get back to that level.
By not locking himself into anything past 2024, Uche maintains plenty of flexibility and he'd be in prime position to cash in after this season, assuming he has a showing like 2022.
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