The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win against the Kansas City Chiefs sent shockwaves through the NFL, but one of the most fascinating offseason developments has been their addition of former Chiefs linebacker. Though the 26-year-old hasn’t made any dramatic statements about seeking revenge, his transition from Kansas City to Philadelphia highlights a powerful narrative of redemption and untapped talent.
His stint with the Chiefs was short and largely unremarkable. Acquired from the New England Patriots in late October 2024 for a 2026 sixth-round pick, Uche appeared in only six regular-season games for Kansas City, logging just 22 percent of the defensive snaps. He didn’t register a single sack and recorded only one quarterback pressure before being made inactive for the entire postseason, including Super Bowl LIX.
The Eagles brought him on board with a one-year, \$1.92 million contract, including \$1.25 million guaranteed—a typical low-risk, high-upside move by GM Howie Roseman. The signing helps address the void in pass-rushing production left by Josh Sweat’s departure in free agency.
Instead of harboring resentment, Uche expressed cautious optimism about his new opportunity in Philadelphia. “I’m not too sure from a personal or schematic perspective where things didn’t click \[in Kansas City],” he said. “Ultimately, I did what was asked to help the team win. But as a player, you always want to be out there with your teammates and your brothers.”
The Eagles were drawn to Josh Uche largely because of his breakout 2022 season with the Patriots, when he notched a career-best 11.5 sacks. Remarkably, all of those sacks came during an eight-game stretch from Weeks 8 to 16, after a slow start that included zero sacks in the first five games and a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury.
“Being 26 years old, I’ve got a lot left in the tank,” Uche said. “It’s really about getting the opportunity and being on the field. When I’ve played, I’ve been effective and efficient. It just comes down to showing up, doing my job, and earning that time on the field.”
The Eagles see potential for Josh Uche to flourish in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme, especially as a situational pass rusher in clear passing downs. CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso highlighted the fit, saying, “If any team can maximize a player’s pass-rushing ability, it’s the Eagles. With the departures of Josh Sweat and Milton Williams in free agency — and now two years removed from Haason Reddick’s impact on the defensive line — Philadelphia has openings in their second and third pass-rushing units.”
Unlike his midseason transition to Kansas City, Josh Uche will now benefit from a full offseason to immerse himself in the Eagles’ defensive system. However, earning playing time won’t come easy. Philadelphia’s retooled pass rush includes newly signed Azeez Ojulari—who recorded 6.0 sacks last year—as well as promising young talents like Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, all competing for roles.
A highly anticipated Week 2 clash between the Eagles and Chiefs will give Uche a prime chance to prove himself against his former team. With both squads projected as contenders in their respective conferences, the early-season showdown could serve as a preview of another potential Super Bowl matchup.
For now, Josh Uche is focused on showing he can return to the form that once made him one of the league’s most effective pass rushers just three seasons ago. In an NFL where second chances are hard to come by and opportunities don’t last long, the Eagles are banking on their championship culture to bring out the talent that Kansas City never managed to harness.