Patriots trading OLB Josh Uche to Chiefs for 2026 sixth-round pick Oct 28, 2024

Kansas City isn’t done dealing.

The Chiefs are acquiring pass rusher Josh Uche from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Monday, per sources informed of the deal. New England later announced the deal.

Uche was a healthy scratch in Sunday’s win over the New York Jets, indicating he was likely to be moved.

A second-round pick in 2020, Uche has been a rotational edge rusher throughout his four-plus seasons in New England. He’s started just four career games. An 11.5-sack breakout season in 2022 didn’t last. Uche netted just three QB takedowns in 2023 and has two through seven games in 2024.

Uche had a chance to sign elsewhere in March but returned to New England on a one-year deal. That lasted just eight weeks into the season before the Pats moved on for little return.

Giving up a future late-rounder for a player with upside is a smashing move by Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. With Michael Danna battling injury, K.C. had a need on the edge. Adding Uche gives defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo another rotational piece along with George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

The only undefeated team in the NFL got better on Monday. And it didn’t cost much.