Star linebacker Josh Uche may be on the trade block this year and the Ravens, Chargers could pursue him. Rumors are floating that the Patriots could tank this year so this means moving on from Uche could be one of their firesale moves. Originally selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Michigan product spent his entirety with the club trying to establish himself as one of the better edge rushers. However, former head coach Bill Belichick brought him in to serve in a backup role but never got an actual start until 2022.
Uche is not the best defensive piece but he topped 20 pressures in two seasons and his 2022 campaign shows him as a reliable player. This follows the underwhelming season he had in 2023 but decided to stay with the team on a new contract that pays him less. The pass rusher may want to stay but that isn’t up to him since Jerod Mayo would likely continue building this roster in a new direction. Uche is still a solid player for any roster that has a lacking defense but the Patriots shouldn’t expect much in return.
There may be a team out there that could cough up some money to at least give Uche a temporary spot for a playoff run. He probably won’t demand much from any team wanting to trade for him which means good news for rosters wanting to save cap space. However, the Ravens and Chargers could be the two teams that could bring out the best in Josh Uche.
Star Linebacker Josh Uche May Be On Trade Block, Ravens, Chargers Could Be Suitors
More Firepower for Baltimore
The Ravens hoped the defense would still be efficient even after losing Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen this past offseason. They’ve been depending on David Ojabo and Odafe Oweh to step up in Clowney’s absence. They’re going through some growing pains since the young pass rushers are still learning. However, Roquan Smith surprisingly has yet to record a sack but has one interception so far this season.
Kyle Van Noy leads the pack of this physical defense but the team is getting younger so they may need to add a few experienced veterans. The expectation is that the Ravens contend for a Super Bowl but they won’t be able to dethrone the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes’ offense with inexperienced talent. Smith is still one of the best today despite his struggles but adding Uche could be a fine insurance policy to keep the defense balanced.
Old-School Jim Harbaugh
As much as Jim Harbaugh loves running the football, he wants the team to win in the trenches with an explosive. The Chargers were hoping to see that from Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa but they’re not doing anything special to convince the team they’ll be around beyond this season. However, the team may have to depend on their defense if all falls out on Justin Herbert’s offense. They’re lacking weapons enough for Herbert to thrive in the pocket so it might force their hand for an Uche trade.
Uche might not be a modern-day Junior Seau but he’s better than nothing to provide some valuable insurance behind Mack and Bosa. Both have struggled to stay on the field and the Chargers could rotate these three explosive monsters to give opposing AFC teams a hard time. He doesn’t need to be a full-time starter to make an impact but a chance to display his talent for a team that is still in second place behind Kansas City in their division.
