KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their defense by acquiring pass rusher Josh Uche from the New England Patriots, sending a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft in return. This move addresses a need for defensive enhancements, solidifying one of the top defenses in the NFL.

Uche’s arrival coincides with tight end Jody Fortson being placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury, clearing a spot on the roster for Uche.

Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Uche has emerged as a valuable asset over his five seasons, accumulating 20 1/2 sacks and showcasing his skills with two sacks already in the first seven games of the current season. His standout performance came in 2022, where he recorded an impressive 11 1/2 sacks and also forced two fumbles across 15 games.

Uche will integrate into a formidable pass rush unit in Kansas City, which currently features edge rushers George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, complemented by defensive tackle Chris Jones who exerts pressure from the interior. Additionally, Charles Omenihu is anticipated to make his return soon from a torn ACL, which has sidelined him throughout the season, further enhancing the pass rush capabilities.

This trade marks the second notable acquisition for the Chiefs within a week, following their previous deal where they traded a conditional fifth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for star receiver DeAndre Hopkins. In his debut on Sunday, Hopkins contributed with two receptions totaling 29 yards in Kansas City’s 27-20 victory against the Raiders.