New Eagles edge rusher Joshua Uche had the best season of his life under Bill Belichick and the Patriots in 2022, recording a career-high 11.5 sacks. Now, he believes he can return to that form with a simple fix: an opportunity to play.
“Being 26 years old, I have a lot left in the tank,” Uche says during a Zoom conference call with reporters today. “It’s about getting on the field and doing my job.”
Uche says he cannot pinpoint the exact reason, but there was some sort of disconnect with the Kansas City Chiefs after they traded for him in the middle of last season.
After Week 13, Uche played in only one game and watched as the Chiefs lost to the Eagles in Super Bowl LVIII.
“The stars didn’t fully align,” Uche added. “I’m not too sure from a schematic or personnel standpoint where the disconnect was. At the end of the day, I did whatever was asked of me.”
As a competitor, he was disappointed by his lack of playing time in Kansas City. Now, he hopes things will be different under Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
After all, he says, the Eagles showed the most interest in him during free agency this offseason, and it’s an honor to play for them.
Determined to revitalize his NFL career, Uche wasted no time getting to work.
Before even signing his one-year contract with the Eagles, he reached out on Instagram to fellow Michigan Wolverine alum and two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Graham.
Uche told Graham—whom he considers a legend—that he plans to lean on him for guidance. Despite his legendary status, Graham knows a thing or two about being a top draft pick and struggling early in his career. He was nearly cut and traded years ago after being a first-round pick of the Eagles, but he stuck around—and the rest is history.
With less pressure on him than a high draft pick, perhaps Uche can settle in and have another breakout season—much like Zack Baun did last year after joining the Eagles from the New Orleans Saints.
“Whenever I’m on the field, I’ve been effective and efficient,” Uche added.
“I have a lot left in the tank”
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) March 17, 2025
New Eagles OLB Joshua Uche says he definitely believes he can become the player he was 2 years ago when he had a career high 11.5 Sacks#JoshuaUche said he messaged Brandon Graham on Instagram & told BG he will lean on himhttps://t.co/WB7fWAI6fl pic.twitter.com/CD4yCACdej
Uche’s Journey to Philadelphia
The Patriots drafted Uche in the second round in 2020, and during his time in New England, he totaled 76 tackles, 20.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His 11.5 sacks in 2022 all came between Weeks 8-16 after a slow start to that season.
Uche said there was no magical formula for his success. He simply kept applying pressure under Belichick, and his hard work paid off in bunches.
Impressed with his play, the Kansas City Chiefs traded a sixth-round pick for Uche in 2024. However, he played only six games, recorded 10 tackles, and did not appear in their Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Eagles.
Now, Uche looks to revitalize his career in Philadelphia, where he’ll have an opportunity to be a key part of the Eagles’ defensive front.
A full offseason to learn the Eagles’ playbook and build chemistry with the reigning No. 1 defense in the NFL could work in his favor.