Josh Uche trade regarded as savvy deal for Chiefs GM Brett Veach by NFL analysts
By Matt Conner
"Why are other teams helping the Kansas City Chiefs?"
That's the common refrain tossed around online on Monday after watching the news break that the New England Patriots had decided to trade pass rusher Josh Uche to the Chiefs in exchange for a future sixth-round choice in the 2026 NFL Draft.
For those commenting online, it's clear that it's all positive marks for Chiefs general manager Brett Veach after trading for Josh Uche.
It was the second such deal made before the NFL's trade deadline by the Chiefs, who also acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins last week in a deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Uche, a former second-round pick for New England, finished up his original four-year rookie deal last spring and re-signed with the team on a cheaper, single-season deal intended to prove he could be worth more money after a prove-it season playing for Jerod Mayo as head coach. Instead, the Pats stink and are selling off assets, including Uche to the Chiefs.
The instant grades on the deal on social media were remarkably positive for a role player, but it was a savvy trade for general manager Brett Veach.
Many fans and analysts were praising the deal as it keeps the Chiefs' strength a strength. Even in the face of injuries to Mike Danna and Charles Omenihu, the addition of Uche keeps the cupboards fairly full in the interim. In the long-term it will allow for other mishaps or injuries to occur over the course of a long season.
So KC, who already has an elite defense, will get Uche and Omenihu back at some point? Sheeesh https://t.co/f4otBwswEU
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) October 28, 2024
How exactly will the Chiefs likely lean on Uche?
The Chiefs clearly see Uche as a pure pass rusher, which he should be, and getting quick pressure can/will help the secondary. This is the kind of move you want contenders to make. Just makes them better for almost nothing
— Daniel Harms🏈 (@InHarmsWay19) October 28, 2024
BREAKING: The Chiefs have acquired EDGE defender Josh Uche from the Patriots in exchange for a 2026 6th round pick, per @Schultz_Report
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) October 28, 2024
Uche's 17.5% pressure rate since 2022 ranks 5th in the NFL 💪 pic.twitter.com/LbLjnDsAgb
New Chiefs edge Josh Uche has averaged a steady 75.8 PFF pass rush grade over the past 3 seasons. 5th best pressure rate among edges during that time. 11.5 sacks in 2022. At 240 pounds, he’ll be a speed-rush specialist. Ran a 4.5-6 40 coming out so he has some juice.
— Adam Best (@Arrowhead_Adam) October 28, 2024
Jones/Karlaftis/Uche/Omenihu passing down pass rushes about to go CRAZY.
— Conner Christopherson (@Conner_DKC) October 28, 2024
The additiom of Uche is a hit from every sub-angle within the DE room for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs continuing to diversity the DE room in terms of overall athletic profile is a massive plus, IMO.
— Jordan Foote (@footenoted) October 28, 2024
Depth + personnel versatility + insurance for Mike Danna & Charles Omenihu. Uche can win quickly and will be motivated for a long-term deal.
All for a 2026 6RP is a win.
This is good for the Patriots' side as well.
Josh Uche being rewarded for taking a cheap deal to stay in Foxboro with being a healthy scratch so they can trade his minimum contract for a conditional 6th.. good team morale boost by Wolf, way to treat the players that want to be here
— Tony LoConte (@BradyDisciple) October 27, 2024
Even Uncle Bill likes the trade for KC.
"The Chiefs really didn't give up anything for Josh Uche and he's a really good pass rusher..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 28, 2024
He'll have a lot of opportunities to rush with Kansas City and I think it's a great addition for the Chiefs" ~ Bill Belichick #PMSLive https://t.co/pD73SxW8ei pic.twitter.com/a59NgZnk45
Well done, Brett. Well done. dsf
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