Falcons to Sign Patriots' Josh Uche? Expert Names Atlanta as 'Best Fit'

A pass-rusher is still seen as a top need for the Atlanta Falcons this offseason despite their investment last year.

Even after last offseason's investment upfront defensively, the Atlanta Falcons are still being linked with available pass-rushers. 

Last year's signings of Bud Dupree, Calais Campbell, and David Oneymata saw the Falcons improve their pass rush as they finished this season ranked 22nd in sacks. ESPN has named Atlanta the "best fit" for current New England Patriots edge rusher Josh Uche.

"[Raheem] Morris could get his sub-package pass-rusher here with Uche, who posted 18.5 sacks over four seasons with the Patriots, including a career-high 11.5 in 2022," ESPN writes. 

Nov 5, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) gets set to throw a pass while New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) defends during the first half at Gillette Stadium.  / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Uche, the former second-round pick out of Michigan, has developed into one of the top pass rushers available in free agency this offseason. ESPN ranked him as the No. 47 best player available in their top 50 list and seemingly has linked him to the Falcons. But how exactly would Uche fit in Atlanta?

As revealed in the introductory press conference for new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, the Falcons defense will be a base 3-4 scheme but will be multiple. This likely means they'll utilize the hybrid outside linebackers/edge rushers that have become common in today's league. 

Players like current Falcons' edge rusher Lorenzo Carter or even Uche are examples of these linebacker/edge rushing hybrids, which have even been used in the defenses run by Morris. 

In fact, during Morris's last stint as a defensive coordinator, one of the Los Angeles Rams leaders in sacks for two seasons was Leonard Floyd, who played a similar role to what Uche has in New England. Floyd is listed at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, and Uche is the same weight but just two inches smaller; neither possesses the size of a typical defensive end. 

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Yet, both have managed to be effective pass-rushers, with Uche's best year in New England coming in 2023 as he finished only behind the veteran Matthew Judon with 11.5 sacks. 

Knowing Morris's history of utilizing a player like Uche combined with the Falcons' need for help in the pass-rushing department, it is easy to see why ESPN has listed Atlanta as his "best fit."