Instant analysis of the Patriots' Joshua Uche trade to the Chiefs

The rich got richer and the broke got even broke after the New England Patriots traded linebacker Joshua Uche to the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.

Uche's move isn't nearly as surprising as the poor return the Patriots received for his services on the market. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs parted with just a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to add the talented pass rusher to their already elite defensive unit.

That may upset fans, but the truth is that the Patriots don't make their decisions from the position of a winning football team. They are a rebuilding team that wants to get everything possible for a player they didn't even expect to have this season.

Uche turned down far more lucrative offers for a one-year extension in New England. Having to wait until 2026 for a return isn't ideal, but the Patriots have made sure they don't walk away empty-handed.

Uche has been a great addition to the team, but the defense is fully capable of carrying on without him. Anfernee Jennings has proven to be a more complete player, especially when defending against runs at the rim. The Patriots also have rising pass rusher Keion White as well as second-year linebacker Ochaun Mathis, who could be used more as a rotation player.

As far as the Chiefs are concerned, this move should be viewed as a major bargain. They acquired a talented pass rusher at an absurdly reduced price. Uche re-signed with the Patriots in the offseason on a one-year, $3 million contract.

Now he will play for the undefeated Chiefs for the same price. General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid continue to play chess while everyone else plays checkers.