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Latest Chiefs Trade Was a Long Time Coming After Previous Interest

By Joseph Grassano

Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) reacts with cornerback Jalen Mills (2) after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) reacts with cornerback Jalen Mills (2) after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the deepest edge rooms in the NFL. The room consists of George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, to say nothing of Chris Jones' versatility along the line.

Currently, Omenihu and Danna are out with injuries, but when they are healthy, they pair nicely with Karlaftis. While Danna and Omenihu have been out with injuries Anudike-Uzomah has stepped up.

In seven games and two starts this season Anudike-Uzomah has 12 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. That's solid production for a player that's fourth on the depth chart. Despite that, the Chiefs have shown they would prefer to rotate in at the defensive end spot opposite Karlaftis.

In order to do that, though, they needed to add another defensive end while Danna and Omenihu are out. The Chiefs did exactly that on Monday when they traded for Patriots star Josh Uche.

Chiefs News: Chiefs aquire edge rusher Josh Uche form the New England Patriots

As Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride mentions, the Chiefs had a lot of interest in Uche during the 2020 draft process. Looking back at scouting reports It isn't hard to see why.

According to a Bleacher Report scouting report, Uche's strengths were his athleticism and versatility, being a big hitter, and being good at using his hands to get off blocks. His weaknesses included having a small frame and slightly poor instincts for an edge rusher at the pro level.

Uche has turned out to be dangerous in the NFL. Through four and a half seasons, Uche has 76 tackles, 20.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Adding Uche's production not only helps the Chiefs while Danna and Omenihu are out, it also adds another dimension when they return.

Being able to rotate four productive players in opposite Karlaftis will make the Chiefs' defense more dangerous. Uche's addition also allows Karlaftis the ability to rotate out if he needs to.

Ultimately, this trade makes an already stacked Chiefs defense that much better come playoff time. Brett Veach had his eye on Uche dating back to his college days. By staying opportunistic, Veach snagged a second-round value for a meager future late-round pick.

Now, we'll see if the coaching staff can help Uche return to his double-digit sack form.

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