Patriots sell off pass-rusher in first trade of 2024 season
The New England Patriots have made a trade.
As first reported by Ian Rapoport on Monday, the Pats are sending linebacker Joshua Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs. Rapoport later added that it’s a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft coming back to New England.
Uche, 26, had played seven games with one start in the 2024 season, before being a healthy scratch on Sunday against the New York Jets. So, the proverbial writing was on the wall for the fifth-year linebacker out of Michigan.
MORE: 9 takeaways from the Patriots’ Week 8 win over the Jets
Since recording a career-high 11.5 sacks and 14 QB hits in 2022, Uche has regressed, despite primarily being known as a pass-rushing specialist. Uche has amassed only five sacks and nine QB hits over his past 22 games since 2023.
When asked about Uche being inactive on Sunday, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said: “It was just a healthy scratch, and we also have to put the best team out there that we think gives us the best chance to win.”
With the Chiefs, Uche will have a great chance to reclaim some of the production he enjoyed two seasons ago. He’ll be working under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and playing alongside a strong pass-rushing group headlined by Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
For the Patriots, they will not see the potential fruits of this deal for at least two years, with the draft pick compensation coming on day 3 in 2026. But this feels like only the first of several upcoming moves for the 2-6 Patriots, who are reportedly exploring the market to sell off pieces that aren’t part of their future.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
5 players the Patriots could look to move before the trade deadline
LB Joshua Uche
For the second year in a row, Joshua Uche is the Patriots’ top trade chip. He’s once again on an expiring contract, after re-signing with New England on a one-year deal this past offseason. At the time that seemed like a ‘prove-it’ deal for Uche, but through eight weeks the investment on his future hasn’t paid off. He has just two sacks in seven games, and was playing a decreasing role for the previous four weeks before being a healthy scratch Sunday against the Jets. Despite not starting the year strong, there should be a market for Uche. ESPN’s Mike Reiss noted on Sunday that Uche is “an attractive option for teams that are exploring the possibility of adding players” at the deadline.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Joshua Uche #55 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
WR K.J. Osborn
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: K.J. Osborn #2 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball while being tackled by Charvarius Ward #7 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
When asked last week if he wanted to be traded, K.J. Osborn didn’t exactly say no. Osborn was supposed to be inactive in London before rookie Javon Baker was scratched instead. He was active again this week, and played just eight offensive snaps recording just one target with no catches.
Right now, the Patriots have multiple younger receivers that should be on the field getting experience. That includes Baker, fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk, and slot receiver DeMario Douglas. Then there’s veteran Kendrick Bourne, who is the leader of the group. That leaves Osborn without a significant role.
While Osborn failed to make the anticipated impact in New England, he proved he can be a capable complementary player during his time with the Vikings. He’d be a logical target for any contending team looking to round out its receiver depth.
WR Tyquan Thornton
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: D.J. Reed #4 of the New York Jets interferes with a pass intended for Tyquan Thornton #11 of the New England Patriots during the second quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Patriots reportedly put Tyquan Thornton on the trading block a few weeks ago. While nothing has happened to this point, that could mean there have been initial conversations and Thornton could be an option for any teams that miss out on other receivers that are dealt.
During training camp, the Patriots’ coach staff spoke highly of Thornton and backed that confidence up by making him a regular running with the top offense as the ‘X’ receiver. However, that plan didn’t translate to results. After catching two passes in the season opener Thornton’s playing time dipped each week and he didn’t record another grab until the second half of Sunday’s game, when he had two more catches for 20 yards.
TE Austin Hooper
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Austin Hooper #81 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown past Deommodore Lenoir #2 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
With tight end production down around the NFL, teams with offensive systems more reliant on the position may be interested in a veteran to add depth. That’s where Austin Hooper could be an option.
Hooper has actually played a somewhat significant role for the Patriots, who have used a good amount of 12 personnel. He’s been on the field for 52 percent of the team’s snaps, catching 12 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.
Still Hooper, who turns 30 on Tuesday, isn’t a part of the Patriots’ long-term plans. Moving him could net a decent pick, and open up more snaps for young developmental tight ends like Jahiem Bell or even practice squad tight end Jack Westover.
OL Sidy Sow
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: New England Patriots guard Sidy Sow #62 warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
This one is a little more outside of the box. But, right now Sidy Sow is buried on the Patriots’ depth chart. Mike Onwenu, Michael Jordan, and rookie Layden Robinson have all started over him at guard. Cole Strange could enter that equation as well when he returns, with Ben Brown playing well at center. Sow has shown promise in his year and a half in Foxboro, but the team seems to prefer other players.
If Sow can’t get on the field, he may have more value to the Patriots as a trade piece. In a league facing a shortage of offensive line play, a second-year player on affordable team control with potential upside
Of course, that would leave the Patriots with less depth on the line. This isn’t a trade worth making just to move on from Sow – a team would have to make it worth their while.
Who shouldn’t be traded?
Oct 13, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) makes a catch against the Houston Texans during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
For the most part, the Patriots should be taking calls about the majority of the players on their roster. At the same time, there are a few players – even those who are older and on short-term deals – who may be worth holding on to.
Players in this category are team leaders such as Jacoby Brissett, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, and Davon Godchaux. The Patriots have had their issues with chemistry and culture this year, especially with younger players. Having a few trusted veteran role models in the locker room should help Jerod Mayo and the coaching staff lay the foundation for the culture moving forward.
If a team is really desperate and is willing to offer, say, a top 100 pick for one of the players above, that’s probably too much to turn down. But, the team shouldn’t be quick to ship any of those guys out of town either.
