Patriots LB Turned Down Millions To Stay In New England

The New England Patriots got Josh Uche back and the talented LB decided to stay in New England after all. It’s not like Uche lacked offers. Several teams tried to sign him, but the Patriots LB found his spot.

NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that the Patriots offered Uche a one-year deal. Other teams made higher offers, but Uche made up his mind.

“The #Patriots have agreed to terms with LB Josh Uche to return to New England on a one-year deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” Garafolo tweeted. “The 2020 second-round pick had much more on the table elsewhere but returns to Foxboro.”

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero had more details on the contract. He also covered the reasons Uche had to stay with the Patriots.

“Josh Uche had several offers, including one worth $15 million over two years, with $11M fully guaranteed. But his heart was in New England, and he opted to return for less: A one-year, $3M deal with upside to $8M. A rare time a player makes the final call and doesn’t chase the money,” Pelissero wrote.

Patriots may give the talented LB a better deal in 2025

Why did Uche make this decision? He would get a lot of money somewhere else. Patriots were eager about his return, too.

Josh Uche had several offers, including one worth $15 million over two years, with $11M fully guaranteed. But his heart was in New England, and he opted to return for less: A one-year, $3M deal with upside to $8M. A rare time a player makes the final call and doesn't chase the… https://t.co/8OZjXQKgk0

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2024

In 2023, Uche saw action in 15 games. However, he didn’t deliver the performance everyone expected to see. His sacks dropped from 11.5 to 3.0. He also marked a drop in quarterback hits and saw less snaps.

The Patriots wanted Uche, but didn’t want to risk signing a bigger deal. A one-year deal makes perfect sense. Now he needs to get the best of this opportunity and secure a better deal next season.

“Uche’s role diminished despite injuries to key contributors such as Matthew Judon in New England,” Pro Football Focus wrote. “Uche is a pure designated pass-rusher who can be deployed on late downs to pin his ears back and get home for timely pressures and sacks, which is still valuable. A one-year flier to boost his stock back up may be the best route at this juncture.”