FOXBORO — Josh Uche understands the game outside the game.
Whether he plays in New England past this season, a contract year for the talented 24-year-old pass rusher, is closely tied to his performance on the football field. But not entirely.
The Patriots’ ongoing negotiations with his agents will be impacted by several factors: his contract demands, the team’s interest, how pass rushers of his age and caliber are currently being paid across the league, salary cap projections, the opportunity cost of signing Uche to a large contract for the team, potential replacements for him on the roster, how the front office projects he’ll play in upcoming years, what Uche believes he’ll do and which side can best flex
So, with all of that in mind, Uche is choosing to keep a clear head. The business game? His agents can handle that. Football is the only game he wants to play.
“I just let (my agents) handle all the little stuff and just come out here and work each day,” Uche said after Thursday’s training camp practice.
Last season, Uche tallied 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in a breakout season that coincided with impressive campaigns by fellow 2020 draft picks Kyle Dugger and offensive lineman Mike Onwenu. Dugger and Onwenu are also entering contract years. Another 2022 breakout star, linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, has already received a new deal, agreeing to a 2-year extension in June.
According to a source, Bentley made it clear he wanted to remain in New England. The two sides found a middle ground that’s likely to resemble a team-friendly deal by the time it expires or perhaps even earlier. It was important to Bentley to continue what he sees as the Patriots’ defensive legacy.
Asked whether he’d like to do so Thursday, Uche said he did.
“This is the team that developed me into the player I’ve become,” he said. “This is the place I’ve called home the last four years. I’m comfortable. I know the area, I’ve got family out here, and I love it out here. And I’ve been able to make myself at home. And I would love to be here.”
However, Uche doesn’t sound quite as ready to make financial concessions in order to stay long-term. He’ll go where he’s wanted, as he repeatedly told reporters Thursday. Whether that’s with the Patriots — who may have drafted his replacement last April in second-round rookie Keion White — or another team has yet to be determined.
The game is still ongoing.
“At the end of the day, I understand it’s a business, and business is business,” Uche said. “So, no hard feelings, I guess”