The Philadelphia Eagles have begun retooling after an incredible run through the 2024 season that saw them cruise to their second Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
Their opponents found little to offer against their star-studded roster along the way. Now, that contingent is taking some hits with Philadelphia already losing a number of their key players from that Super Bowl run including Milton Williams, Josh Sweat and Mekhi Becton.
Unlike last offseason when the team signed Saquon Barkley, the Eagles have not sought after any home runs on the market. Now they dead extend Barkley and have brought back Zack Baun, but they are not reeling in any big fish.
New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) celebrates after getting a sack against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Instead, the Eagles have supplemented their core with serviceable players on both sides of the ball. Among that group is Josh Uche, a former second-round pick of the New England Patriots.
Uche has not carved out a role for himself in stops with the Patriots nor the Kansas City Chiefs, so he gets a chance to rehabilitate his career with the Eagles.
But the terms of his deal are the most surprising aspect of this move. Philadelphia signed Uche to a one year $1.92 million deal, according to NFL media's Mike Garafolo. However, they are adding four void years that will stretch out the cap hit.
The practice itself is not uncommon and one that Howie Roseman and the Eagles have used to build their teams before. Yet the decision to use it one a deal of such little cost and on such short term is an odd one.
Regardless of Roseman's methods, it is hard to doubt him after seeing the success of the team last season. In fact, while the Eagles have their share of star power, their success has stemmed from some surprises as well.
Baun is the perfect example of such an occurrence, rising to stardom last season after coming over from the New Orleans Saints after being used primarily as a special teams player. In 2024, Baun reached All-Pro status and of course got a major pay bump.
That does not mean Uche will have the same trajectory on this Eagles defense, but there is reason to believe the Eagles can transform his game at least minimally.
Regardless of the oddities of this deal, Eagles fans should continue to trust the process of their lead decision makers.
