The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant move in free agency by signing former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Joshua Uche to a one-year deal. This signing is expected to bolster the Eagles’ pass rush and provide much-needed depth at the linebacker position following the departures of key defensive players.
Eagles Address Defensive Needs
The Eagles’ defensive struggles were evident last season, particularly in their ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With the departures of long-time defensive stalwarts such as Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham, the Eagles were in dire need of reinforcements on the edge. Uche, a versatile linebacker with pass-rushing ability, provides Philadelphia with an experienced defender who can contribute immediately.
Joshua Uche spent the 2024 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he played in six games, recording 23 total tackles and two sacks. While his impact was somewhat limited due to injuries, he showcased flashes of his potential as an effective pass rusher. Before joining the Chiefs, Uche was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent five seasons in New England, developing into a reliable rotational player.
How Uche Fits in Philadelphia
Under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Eagles are expected to shift toward a more aggressive defensive scheme, relying on versatile defenders who can play multiple roles. Uche’s ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage makes him an ideal fit for Fangio’s system. His speed and athleticism will be key assets in helping the Eagles improve their pass-rushing efficiency, which ranked below average in the NFL last season.
While Uche has not yet developed into a premier pass rusher, he has shown flashes of high-level play. His best season came in 2022 with the Patriots, where he recorded 11.5 sacks. The Eagles hope that under Fangio’s system, he can regain that form and become a key contributor in their defensive front.
Impact on the Eagles’ Defense
Philadelphia’s defense struggled in key moments last season, particularly in the second half of games. The lack of a consistent pass rush allowed opposing quarterbacks too much time to find open receivers, leading to defensive breakdowns. With the addition of Uche, the Eagles hope to alleviate some of these issues by adding more depth and rotational flexibility.
Uche will likely compete for a starting role but could also serve as a situational pass rusher, rotating with Haason Reddick and Nolan Smith. His ability to play multiple positions gives the Eagles more defensive flexibility, allowing them to deploy different looks against opposing offenses.
Looking Ahead
The signing of Uche is part of a broader effort by the Eagles’ front office to rebuild their defense following a disappointing end to last season. While Uche alone will not solve all of Philadelphia’s defensive issues, his presence will provide much-needed depth and competition in the linebacker corps.
If Uche can stay healthy and return to his 2022 form, the Eagles may have found a valuable addition to their pass rush. With free agency still underway, it will be interesting to see what other moves the Eagles make to further strengthen their roster.