New England Patriots Re-Signing Josh Uche?

Josh Uche's future with the New England Patriots is in question as he plays through the final year of his rookie contract.

Under coach Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots haven't been market-setters in contract negotiations. It has been common for Belichick and the Patriots to let productive players walk into free agency and sign big deals elsewhere. 

Look no further than players like recently returned cornerback J.C. Jackson. After five seasons in Foxboro, he left the Patriots for the Los Angeles Chargers and a five-year, $82.5 million contract. Same with defensive end Trey Flowers, who signed a lucrative deal with the Detroit Lions in 2019.

In a sense, that has become a part of the "Patriot Way," which begs the question of whether current New England edge rusher Josh Uche could be the next player allowed to walk in free agency.

Oct 15, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) tries to tackle Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium / Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

According to Fox Sports, there have been "no contract discussions" between Uche and the Patriots. While there is still a lot of time before the Patriots and Uche have to agree on a deal before the beginning of free agency, the silence from both sides could be a sign of what's to come this offseason. 

Uche, the former second-round pick from Michigan, is fresh off a career year in Foxboro, where he became part of a pass-rushing duo alongside Matthew Judon. Uche finished second on the team with 11.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits, with 27 tackles and nine for a loss. 

It was his best season, one he is trying to replicate in the final year of his rookie deal. However, so far, the results haven't quite lived up to expectations. 

The 25-year-old has played in every game to this point for New England, yet has only recorded two sacks, one quarterback hit, six tackles, and one for a loss. Not the type of numbers you'd expect for someone who could command a hefty payday this offseason. 

However, there is still plenty of time for the fourth-year edge rusher to negotiate a long-term contract and regain his form that produced career numbers a year ago.

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