(Photo Credit: NESN)
Josh Uche, known for his pass-rushing prowess, has agreed to a one-year deal to rejoin the New England Patriots, according to a report from ESPN.
The contract spans one year and includes a base value of $3 million, with additional incentives that could boost it up to $8 million.
Introduction of Austin Hooper
In a separate transaction on Tuesday, the Patriots also finalized a deal with veteran tight end Austin Hooper, as per ESPN’s report. Hooper’s contract covers one year, starting at a base value of $3 million, with a maximum potential value of $4.25 million.
Uche’s Performance
Uche, a second-round pick from Michigan in the 2020 NFL draft, attracted interest from other teams before opting to remain in New England last season. While he showcased his potential with a standout 2022 season tallying 11.5 sacks, his production dipped to just three sacks in 2023.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, the 25-year-old Uche appeared in 15 regular-season games last year, typically featuring in evident passing situations.
Throughout his four-year tenure, Uche has participated in 51 regular-season games, with three starts, accumulating 63 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 31 quarterback hits.
Veteran linebacker Matthew Judon, leading the Patriots in sacks over the past three seasons, hailed Uche as the team’s premier pass-rusher. During Uche’s career-best year in 2022, he frequently partnered with Judon in pass-rushing scenarios. Judon’s absence due to a torn biceps injury in Week 4 of 2023 appeared to impact Uche’s performance.
Hooper’s Role
Hooper, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 254 pounds, will assume the role of the team’s secondary tight end behind recently re-signed Hunter Henry. Having previously played for the Cleveland Browns in 2020 and 2021, Hooper shares a history with Patriots’ first-year offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, fostering familiarity with the offensive scheme.
Hooper arrives from the Las Vegas Raiders, where he amassed 25 catches for 234 yards without scoring touchdowns in the previous season.
