The New England Patriots could be looking to become sellers by the trade deadline.
Whether they do or don’t could be determined by what happens in Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. A loss would drop the team to 2-6 with little to no chance of climbing back into the playoff hunt. However, a victory would make them long-shot hopefuls for a turnaround season.
In that case, they could decide to play the season out with their current roster intact.
Regardless of what scenario unfolds, Uche is a prime candidate to be traded by the Patriots. He’s playing on an expiring deal, and he isn’t getting enough reps to justify his spot on the roster. The emergence of linebacker Anfernee Jennings has also made it easier for the Patriots to move on if they choose to do so.
When appearing on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand”, NFL insider Albert Breer talked about the latest on Uche’s contract situation.
“So my understanding is they’re listening on everybody,” Breer said. “I think the one guy that has come up the most as a potential guy that could get moved is Josh Uche. I think part of the reason was, A, he isn’t producing the way that he was last year. B, he’s a little bit of a weird fit for the defense because there are those types of players that’ll be three-down players in some defenses, but in the Patriots defense, that kind of guy isn’t.
“He’s a really good player, but in the Patriots defense, he’s a little bit of a one-trick pony, where you have to use him a certain way. But he could be really useful to another team. He’s valuable, and he has a premium skill, which is as a pass-rusher. So, they’re gonna listen on, my understanding is, just about everybody. Now, that’s within reason. Like, they’re not gonna trade Christian Gonzalez off IR.”
Josh Uche potential trade candidate for Patriots:@AlbertBreer shares what he's hearing about the Patriots plans for the trade deadline pic.twitter.com/SjMP2K7OVa
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) October 26, 2023
The Patriots are in a position to stockpile draft picks and attempt to reload their roster in 2024. There are glaring holes on the roster, specifically on the offensive side of the ball.
The chance for an Uche trade to potentially net them a third or fourth-round draft pick would be considered a win at this point.
