For what seems like the first time in a millennia, the New England Patriots are positioned to become prime sellers at the trade deadline. Sitting at just 2-5, the Patriots reside in the basement of the AFC East and are a longshot to make this year’s postseason. With the 2023 NFL trade deadline looming, New England could start selling off assets for picks. Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Bill Belichick and the Pats could start by moving off LB and pass rusher Josh Uche.
Two AFC East names worth watching at trade deadline: #Bills corner Kaiir Elam and #Patriots pass rusher Josh Uche. Both players have garnered trade interest, per sources.
Elam, a former first-round pick, was inactive Thursday, while Uche is in the final year of his rookie deal. pic.twitter.com/Ew9wTlawiI
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 28, 2023
Uche, a second-round draft pick in 2020, has 2.5 sacks in six games. He also has five tackles and three QB hits. The six-foot-three pass rusher should have a significant but affordable price tag.
New England Patriots Pass Rusher Josh Uche: Falling Out of Favor Despite Breakout 2022
New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche starred for the Michigan Wolverines before joining the Patriots in 2020. He played sparingly during his first two seasons before seeing a significant jump in production in 2022. Uche tallied a career-best 11.5 sacks, 27 tackles, nine TFLs, and three QB hits while playing just 38% of the defensive snaps. He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for a three-sack performance against the Indianapolis Colts late in the year. However, Uche has returned to a more rotational linebacker role this season.
Josh Uche: Potential Suitors
Plenty of contenders could use a defensive sparkplug like Josh Uche. The Houston Texans have just ten sacks this season, the second-lowest total in the NFL. However, at 3-3 and with the young C.J. Stroud showing promise at quarterback, the Texans could improve their defense if the price tag is reasonable.
Another AFC South club, the Jacksonville Jaguars, could make a move for Uche. They are among the worst teams in the NFL against opposing quarterbacks and generating sacks. Jacksonville would deploy Uche alongside pass rushers Josh Allen and Devin Lloyd.
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