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The Chiefs acquired Josh Uche from the Patriots.

The Chiefs acquired Josh Uche from the Patriots.

Josh Uche is really in motion. The fifth-year edge rusher is being traded from the Patriots to the Chiefs, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

Kansas City will send New England a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft, Rapoport added. This level of compensation is not a surprise given Uche’s status as a free agent. He had a healthy scratch yesterday, indicating a trade is possible. After the Patriots decided not to trade him last year, he will now be on the move.

Near the end of last year’s rookie contract, Uche attracted trade interest and the Pats nearly completed a deal ahead of the deadline. Instead, he remained in his position and eventually re-signed on a one-year contract. That deal came with a base salary of just $1.3 million, and with most of that already paid out, it would be a very inexpensive addition on the Chiefs’ part. The league’s only undefeated team will now have another rotation option.

Uche’s best year came in 2022 when he recorded 11.5 sacks. Given that he earned only a small share of 38% that season, expectations were raised for continued production or at least an increased workload going forward. Neither has happened, with the Michigan product totaling five sacks since the start of last season and the same number of snaps as at the start of his career. When he arrives in Kansas City, he will be considered a third-tier specialist.

Managers, of course, continued to rely on Chris Jones as a core member of the Pass-Rush department. Along the edge the team has Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu along with recent recruits George Karlaftis And Felix Anudike-Uzoma. Uche will be looking to secure a spot in that group while also trying to increase his share of free agents. Meanwhile, for Kansas City, the move marks another midseason addition (following DeAndre Hopkins trade) as a third straight Super Bowl title is up for grabs.

The Chiefs entered Monday at the bottom of the league in terms of cap size, so any further moves could be difficult unless they are short-term and inexpensive. Kansas City has been linked to pursuit of the quarterback after Jaylen Watson(likely at the end of the season) and it will be interesting to see if anything happens at this position before the November 5th deadline.

Kansas City currently ranks 22nd in the NFL with 15 sacks through seven games. Improvement in this area could provide a significant boost to the league’s fifth-ranked defense, and Uche will look to contribute in that department. Meanwhile, at 2-6 on the year, New England could be a team to watch from a seller’s perspective for what’s next.