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Josh Uche explains why he turned down more money to re-sign with Patriots
"Coach Mayo is developing a lot of tough young men, and I feel like it’s something I just want to continue to be a part of."
Josh Uche put pen to paper on a one-year contract to return to the Patriots this week.
The Patriots will welcome the 25-year-old pass-rusher back on the roster, especially with his contract only worth $2.3 million in guaranteed money.
But Uche reportedly could have landed a larger contract this offseason had he opted to sign with another team.
“Josh Uche had several offers, including one worth $15 million over two seasons, with $11 (million) guaranteed,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero shared on the X platform earlier this week. “But his heart was in New England, and he opted to return for less: A one-year, $3 (million) deal with upside to $8 (million). A rare time a player makes the final call and doesn’t chase the money.”
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In a video released by the Patriots on Thursday, Uche explained why he wanted to return to Foxborough for the 2024 season — even after factoring in the lower payday.
“The Patriots were the organization that gave me a chance in the NFL. It’s like family. It feels like home and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than home. So I think that was my main reason: Loyalty, family and love,” Uche said. “Coach (Jerod) Mayo is developing a lot of tough young men, and I feel like it’s something I just want to continue to be a part of.
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“I think it’s just going to be great. I think the future is bright. I’m just happy to be home and get back to doing what I do best.”
Uche is coming off of a disappointing 2023 season, with the 2020 second-round pick only recording 3.0 sacks over 15 games. He only played in 33% of New England’s total defensive snaps last season.
Granted, Uche was utilized as a situational pass-rusher during the 2022 season as well, playing in just 38% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps. But the Michigan product made the most of those limited reps, recording 11.5 sacks in 15 games.
A return to form for Uche in 2024 could see him secure a heftier payout next offseason — be it with the Patriots or another NFL team.
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