5 Most Important Chargers Free Agent Targets in 2024
By Cem Yolbulan
Josh Uche, EDGE
The Chargers have two of the best edge rushers in the NFL on paper but that hasn't really translated to much defensive success on the field. Khalil Mack had one of the best seasons of his career in 2023 out of nowhere but he is turning 33. Joey Bosa struggles to stay healthy. And they have the two largest cap hits on the team. Moving on from at least one of them this offseason makes plenty of sense for the Bolts.
In that case, the Chargers will need to add another pass rusher into the mix. Josh Uche, who spent the last four seasons with the New England Patriots after winning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors playing in Michigan for Jim Harbaugh, would be an excellent addition there.
Uche is a difficult player to evaluate due to the up-and-down nature of his career so far. He burst onto the scene in 2022 when he finished the season with 11.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss in 15 games. Then he crumbled under heightened expectations last season when he delivered only three sacks and three tackles for loss in as many games. After being the 14th-best edge defender in 2022 according to PFF, he fell all the way to 91st last year.
The fact that Uche failed to step up even in Matthew Judon's absence in New England is certainly a concern. However, he is still only 25 years old and has a ton of upside. As a designated pass rusher who can be deployed on late downs, he would be extremely valuable on any team. If the Chargers can buy low on him, he would have the potential to revive his career under his former coach.
More Chargers news and rumors:
feed