Josh Uche trade: Should Eagles have been in on new Chiefs pass rusher to address key weakness?

Impact pass rushers are hard to find at the NFL trade deadline, but the writing was on the wall Sunday with former second-round pick Josh Uche of the New England Patriots .

Uche was a healthy scratch for the Patriots in their 25-22 win over the New York Jets . Head coach Jerod Mayo was mum when asked about the decision postgame, and on Monday, Uche was dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs for a sixth-round pick in 2026.

In need of pass rush help in the wake of Bryce Huff’s continued struggles, should the Philadelphia Eagles have been in on Uche given his cheap price tag and contract?

MORE: Bryce Huff vs. Josh Uche: Why Eagles made a $51 million blunder in free agency

Uche, 26, was a serviceable player for the Patriots, recording 20.5 sacks in 58 games. He was featured in a situational pass rushing role in New England, which is exactly what the Eagles are doing with Huff as he tries to transition into being more of a three-down EDGE defender.

Huff has 19 career sacks in 61 career games, yet the Eagles are paying him $51 million over three seasons. Uche signed a team-friendly deal to remain in Foxboro this offseason for 1-year, $3 million.

It’s easy to root for bigger names like Chase Young of the Washington Commanders , or Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders , but the Eagles are already paying an ineffective Huff over $17 million per season. A cheap, low-risk move like the Chiefs just made for Uche is more in line with what Super Bowl contending teams look to do at the deadline.

Perhaps it's a vote of confidence in Josh Sweat and Nolan Smith Jr., or maybe general manager Howie Roseman has another plan up his sleeve, but the Eagles might have missed an opportunity to help a key weakness on defense for pennies on the dollar.

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