Patriots Named Landing Spot For Key Dolphins Defender

The New England Patriots have looked more like themselves over the last few weeks of the NFL season, finding their footing.

After a slow start to the year, New England has started to perform up to par, giving this team some life. Quarterback Drake Maye's turnaround has been a key piece of this for the Patriots, helping them win two straight games.

But for the Patriots to keep this going strong, consistency will need to be key. New England's defense has also started to play better, and this was one of the bigger reasons why the team made the Super Bowl a year ago.

If the Patriots defense could keep up the strong play, this team could make another run this season. And with the trade deadline coming up, the Patriots' front office could look to add more depth for the remainder of the year.

NFL analyst Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report listed the Patriots as a landing spot for Miami Dolphins edge rusher Josh Uche. With Miami winless to open the year, the team could undergo a fire sale, giving New England a chance to cash in.

While a trade between the division rivals could be tough, the Dolphins could make the move if New England were to have a strong offer. Knox believes that Uche could be worth a conditional 2027 fifth-round draft pick, and if that is the price, the Patriots should jump on the chance to add Uche.

New England has familiarity with Uche, having taken him in the second-round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The veteran was traded away during the 2024 season, and he signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins this offseason.

So far this season, Uche has played in five games for Miami, generating 20 total tackles (two for loss), one sack, and one fumble recovery. Uche could give this Patriots defensive unit more depth to work with, and he would fit in well alongside the other players.

The veteran has the ability to get into the backfield, making life tough on opposing offenses. For the Patriots, they could use a little more help in this area, bolstering the unit for the stretch run of the year.

If anything, the Patriots should look into making this move, especially since there is no long-term money attached to his contract. Uche could give New England a boost for the remainder of the season, and if the pairing were to work out again, the Patriots could try to retain him over the offseason.