The pass-rushing gang is back together in New England.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, the Patriots have agreed to terms on a one-year deal to re-sign pending free agent linebacker Josh Uche.
Per Garafolo, Uche had a more lucrative offer elsewhere, but he chose to stay in New England for the 2024 season.
The former second-round draft pick appeared to be on the verge of breaking out in 2022, when he mustered 11.5 sacks on the season. However, there was a significant drop-off last season. Not only did his on-field production take a hit, but he also saw a steady decline in his snap count.
Uche has given a boost to the Patriots in situational pass-rushing downs, but he clearly struggled against the run enough to continue seeing limits to his early-down work. Maybe the way he’s utilized will change with coach Jerod Mayo and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington grabbing the reins of the defense from former coach Bill Belichick.
Uche is an explosive player who is at his best when pinning his ears back and getting after opposing quarterbacks. Perhaps Mayo and company can unlock the version of that same player that made noise opposite of Judon over a year ago.
