Competing offers show just how much less money Josh Uche took to stay with the Patriots
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 20: Josh Uche #55 of the New England Patriots celebrates during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
As much as the draw (or lack thereof) of certain teams is discussed leading up to it NFL Free Agency almost always comes down to just one thing – money. The team that offers the most gets the player more often than not. It’s only when multiple offers are equal financially that other things come into play.
However, there are sometimes a few exceptions. This year, one of those exceptions chose to sign with the New England Patriots.
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On Tuesday afternoon, linebacker Josh Uche re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year, $3 million deal worth up to $8 million with $2.3 million guaranteed. That includes a $1 million signing bonus, $510,000 in roster bonuses, and $190 in workout bonuses. There are $5 million in incentives tied to playing time, sacks, and a Pro Bowl appearance, according to Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald.
Even though he had a down year last year, that felt like short money for a 26-year-old edge rusher a year removed from an 11.5 sack season in 2022. Turns out, it was. On Tuesday night, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Uche “had several offers, including one worth up to $15 million with $11 million fully guaranteed.” CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones had previously reported Uche “drew strong interest from at least two other teams” but didn’t include any financial details.
What led to Uche leaving anywhere from $3 million to $13 million on the table? “His heart was in New England, and he opted to return for less,” Pelissero added. “A rare time a player makes the final call and doesn’t chase the money.”
Now, there is some other incentive for Uche to stay with the Patriots even for less money. After a down 2023 season and with an all-around depressed free agent market, the long-term deal he was looking to get in free agency this year most likely wasn’t on the table.
Staying with the Patriots, in a defensive system Uche knows he can produce in, should give him the best chance to get back to the level he was playing at in 2022. Another season like that, and he’ll hit the market again at just 26 years old – and would most likely have much more lucrative multi-year offers than the ones he would have had to settle for now.
For more Patriots and NFL free agency news as it happens, check out our Free Agency Tracker below…
NFL Free Agency Tracker, Day 3: The latest as the league year kicks off
Patriots, J.C. Jackson have mutual interest
The Patriots have a sneaky need at outside corner behind Christian Gonzalez. It appears that they could make that happen with a familiar face.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there’s mutual interest between the Patriots and J.C. Jackson for a new deal, despite the cornerback’s March 1 release. Fowler believes this “could be a down-the-line development” for the two sides.
So, Jackson may not be generating much interest around the league, making a return to New England an attractive option for him. That’s especially considering he could still be the Pats’ clear No. 2 outside corner on the current roster. Pats fans could be left waiting until the spring or summer for the team to find another starting corner.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 26: J.C. Jackson #29 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
