The New England Patriots have had many players come and go in the early days of the post-Belichick era.
One such player is linebacker Joshua Uche, who was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2020 draft and traded to the Super Bowl-losing Kansas City Chiefs before the NFL trade deadline this past season.
Uche, now a free agent, was deemed an underrated edge free agent by Pro Football Focus. The young pass rusher struggled over the past two seasons, so New England decided to move on.
However, the reason some still believe in his potential is the elite 2022 season he had. PFF ranked him as the eighth-best pass rusher among edge rushers and second in pressure rate.
He had 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 27 total tackles-easily the best season so far of his five-year career.
Uche finished his Patriots career with 20.5 sacks in four and a half seasons and didn't record a single sack with the Chiefs. However, he is still just 26, giving him time to improve and potentially regain his 2022 form.
That makes him an intriguing breakout candidate as a free agent if he finds the right situation. If Uche breaks out for a new team, New England fans will dwell on what could've been for the former Patriot phenom.
