In a surprising turn of events during the previous NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs made headlines by acquiring linebacker Joshua Uche from the New England Patriots right before the trade deadline. This transaction sparked curiosity and confusion among fans and analysts alike, especially given the player’s limited impact during his time with the Chiefs.
Joshua Uche, originally brought in to enhance the Chiefs' defensive lineup, played only six games and was on the field for a mere 22% of the team’s defensive snaps. The underwhelming results left fans questioning the motivation behind the trade, as Uche finished his stint in Kansas City without recording a single sack. Instead, he was seen more often on the sidelines than contributing defensively.
After his short-lived period with the Chiefs, Uche made the decision to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, where he will seek to revitalize his career. Reflecting on his time in Kansas City, Uche expressed his ambiguity regarding the disconnect between expectations and reality. “I’m not too sure from a personnel standpoint or a schematic standpoint where there was a disconnect. At the end of the day, I did what was asked of me to help the team win,” he stated during a press conference on March 18, 2025.
Uche, who had previously shown promise during his tenure with the Patriots—where he recorded two sacks in just seven games while playing 35% of defensive snaps—seemed unable to find the same opportunities within the Chiefs’ defensive scheme. “As a football player, you want to be out there with your teammates and your brothers. It was a situation where I was coming in the middle of the season, coming in late, and the stars didn’t fully align,” Uche lamented, pointing to the challenges he faced adapting to a new team in the midst of an ongoing season.
Despite the lack of success with the Chiefs, Uche’s potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. He earned a solid contract with the Eagles, securing a one-year, $1.9 million deal. Prior to his arrival in Kansas City, he had impressively tallied 11.5 sacks during the 2022 season, showcasing his capability to produce at a high level when given the right opportunities and environment.
While Uche's time with the Chiefs may not have been fruitful, he has taken a positive stance on his experience there, refraining from negative comments about his coaches or the team. His approach suggests he is focused on moving forward and seizing the chance to contribute to the Eagles as they look to defend their Super Bowl title.
This off-season, as players change teams and dynamics shift, Uche's journey illustrates the unpredictability of professional sports and the constant search for the right fit. The Eagles will be watching closely to see how Uche adjusts to his new environment and whether he can return to form as a key contributor on defense.
