In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles have once again signed veteran pass-rusher Josh Uche to their practice squad, marking his second stint with the team this season. The decision, confirmed on Monday, comes as the Eagles prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, a rematch of their 2023 clash. Uche’s return has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts, given his tumultuous journey and the team’s already stacked defensive line.
Uche, a former second-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2020, initially joined the Eagles in late October via a trade that sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to New England. At the time, the move was seen as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition to bolster Philadelphia’s pass-rush depth. Uche, known for his explosive first step and ability to disrupt quarterbacks, had shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in 2022 when he recorded 11.5 sacks for the Patriots. However, his tenure with the Eagles was short-lived. After appearing in just four games and logging a mere 59 defensive snaps with only two tackles, Uche was waived on December 10, a surprising decision that raised eyebrows across the league.
The Eagles’ choice to cut Uche was largely attributed to their crowded edge-rusher room. With established stars like Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, and emerging talents such as Nolan Smith, Uche struggled to carve out a significant role. Critics pointed to his inconsistent production and struggles against the run as reasons he failed to stick. His release was seen as a signal that Philadelphia was content with its existing defensive front, especially after a strong regular season that saw them clinch a top NFC seed.
However, Uche’s NFL journey took another twist. After being waived by the Eagles, he was claimed by the Washington Commanders, only to be waived again shortly after. The Kansas City Chiefs then picked him up, hoping to utilize his pass-rushing skills in their playoff push. Uche played three games for Kansas City, recording seven tackles and a sack, but was released last week as the Chiefs finalized their postseason roster. Now, in a stunning turn of events, the Eagles have brought Uche back to their practice squad, a move that has left many questioning the team’s strategy.
The decision to re-sign Uche comes at a critical juncture as the Eagles gear up for Super Bowl LIX against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Philadelphia’s defense, which ranked among the league’s best in sacks and pressures this season, is looking to add depth and versatility to counter Kansas City’s high-powered offense. Uche’s familiarity with the Eagles’ system, despite his brief earlier stint, likely played a role in the decision. His ability to provide situational pass-rush juice could prove valuable in specific packages designed to disrupt Mahomes’ rhythm.
Still, the move is not without controversy. Uche’s rollercoaster season—bouncing between three teams in a matter of months—has raised questions about his fit and reliability. Some Eagles fans have taken to social media, expressing frustration over the team’s decision to bring back a player who failed to make an impact earlier in the season. Others see it as a low-risk gamble, with the potential for Uche to rediscover his 2022 form in a high-stakes game. NFL analysts are split, with some praising the Eagles’ depth move and others questioning whether Uche can contribute meaningfully in such a short timeframe.
Head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman have yet to comment extensively on the signing, but sources close to the team suggest that Uche’s re-addition is a precautionary measure to ensure flexibility in case of injuries or matchup-specific needs. With Super Bowl LIX looming, the Eagles are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a championship.
As Philadelphia prepares to face Kansas City in what promises to be an epic showdown, all eyes will be on whether Josh Uche can defy the odds and make a difference. For now, his return to the Eagles is a bold and unexpected chapter in an already dramatic season.