Former Chiefs Pass Rusher Finds New Life in Miami

Joshua Uche signs one-year deal with Dolphins, hoping to revive career after disappointing stints in Kansas City and Philadelphia.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:19pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic motion of a football pass rush, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange intersecting to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of a pass rusher's explosive movements captures the unpredictable nature of Uche's NFL career path.Philadelphia Today

After failing to make an impact as a pass rusher for the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, former linebacker Joshua Uche has signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. The move puts Uche in a low-pressure environment where he can potentially rediscover the form that led to 11.5 sacks with the New England Patriots in 2022, before struggling with higher expectations in Kansas City and Philadelphia.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' decision to trade Uche in 2024 for a 6th-round pick proved to be the right call, as he struggled to make an impact. Now, Uche joins a Dolphins team with low expectations, giving him a chance to prove he can be a productive pass rusher in the NFL.

The details

Uche signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Dolphins, where he is expected to be a projected starter alongside Chop Robinson. The former Chief failed to record a single sack during his time in Kansas City and Philadelphia, but thrived in a low-pressure environment with the Patriots in 2022, recording 11.5 sacks. The Dolphins offer a similar situation, with little competition and no immediate Super Bowl expectations.

  • Uche was traded to the Chiefs in 2024 for a 6th-round pick.
  • Uche departed the Chiefs in free agency following the 2024 season.
  • Uche signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Dolphins in 2026 free agency.

The players

Joshua Uche

A former linebacker who struggled to make an impact with the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, but is now looking to revive his career with the Miami Dolphins on a one-year deal.

Chop Robinson

A Dolphins defensive player who is expected to be part of the team's primary pass-rushing trio alongside Uche.

David Ojabo

A Dolphins defensive player who is expected to be part of the team's primary pass-rushing trio alongside Uche.

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What’s next

If Uche can regain his 2022 form with the Patriots, he could potentially be traded to a contending roster or earn a bigger contract in 2027 free agency.

The takeaway

The Chiefs made the right decision to part ways with Uche, who has struggled to live up to expectations with high-profile teams. Now, he has a chance to rebuild his career in a low-pressure environment with the Dolphins.