Chiefs Make Surprise Trade With Former Rival as Deadline Approaches

The Chiefs quickly pulled off a big trade right after a Week 8 win against the Raiders, reportedly sending a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to the Patriots for LB Josh Uche.

A 2020 second-round pick, Uche represents the exact kind of low-cost, high-upside player Brett Veach typically goes after ahead of the trade deadline. He had 11.5 sacks in 2022 despite not playing as a full-time starter.

Considering the upside Uche has as an edge rusher, he might be the final piece of Kansas City's puzzle to win a historic third straight Super Bowl.

Chiefs Trade for Patriots LB Josh Uche

So far in 2024, Uche has 13 tackles, five pressures, and two sacks for a middling New England team. Alongside Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, and the returning Charles Omenihu, Uche gives Kansas City perhaps the league's best defensive line.

For the low price of a 2026 sixth-round pick, it's hard to argue with the value. Keep in mind that the Chiefs didn't even trade away a pick in next year's draft, so this was as easy of a decision as possible.

Should things not work out, Uche is a pending free agent. Kansas City could easily part ways with him after this year, making it yet another ideal acquisition from Veach and his team.

Uche was a healthy scratch in Week 8 as the Patriots shopped him but has enough promise that he could quickly make an impact on the Chiefs. He'll have a full week to learn the system given Kansas City plays against Tampa Bay on Monday Night Football in Week 9.

We'll see if Uche can tap into the immense potential he once showed but either way, this is an excellent trade for Chiefs Kingdom.

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