When an NFL player enters free agency, the main focus is on signing with a team offering the most lucrative contract. However, Josh Uche, the Patriots linebacker, has a different approach.
The linebacker was in a position to score a touchdown with a lucrative deal worth millions from any team in the league. Yet he decided to demonstrate his allegiance to the New England Patriots.
Josh Uche shows loyalty to Pats in latest contract
Josh Uche has turned down all the lucrative deals he was being offered from other NFL teams and signed a one-year deal with his team, the New England Patriots.
Uche joined the Patriots as a rookie in 2020 and has played with the team since then. In this NFL free agency, he had the time to grow with a new franchise and explore better opportunities. However, Josh Uche decided to prove his loyalty to his current team.
Reportedly, he was offered multiple deals, including one worth $15 million over two years, with $11 million fully guaranteed. He also rejected this offer and signed a deal with the Pats, who offered him a one-year, $3 million deal with an upside of $8 million.
He has proven that he truly loves his work and doesn’t play only for money. The NFL Network also reported that Uche was also offered more lucrative deals, but he turned down all of them.
Josh Uche’s decision to stay with the Pats was influenced by his positive relationship with the new head coach Jerod Mayo, who was previously his position coach.
“When I first got here, Jerod was my position coach. I was very young, had a lot of maturing to do,” Uche said. “He had a lot of patience with me and just the lens he sees the game through is just a very creative lens and gives the players a lot of flexibility to maximize their talents. So, I think Coach Mayo is a great hire.”
The prospect of playing with Coach Mayo has influenced his decision and he will play one more year with the Pats.
Josh Uche’s impact on Pats following re-signing
Josh Uche’s new deal includes a base value of $3 million with $5 million in incentives, potentially totaling $8 million. If he maximizes his incentives, he could replicate his impressive performance in 2022, where he recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks.
Uche’s production dipped in the previous season due to injury and a more disciplined approach to pass rushing. However, there are hints of a more aggressive defensive strategy under Mayo and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington.
With the LB’s return, the Patriots boast a formidable edge rusher duo alongside four times Pro Bowler, Matthew Judon. The team’s edge group is strengthened, and they will not need to invest more in this area. Adding a project player like Keion White or veteran depth could complement Uche and Judon’s presence on the team.
This deal will be beneficial for the Pats, as Josh Uche’s presence will strengthen the defense and provide flexibility in the defensive strategies of the team.
