Falcons Set to Ink Patriots’ Josh Uche? Analyst Identifies Atlanta as Ideal Landing Spot
Despite the defensive investments made by the Atlanta Falcons last offseason, they are still connected with available pass-rushing talents. The acquisitions of Bud Dupree, Calais Campbell, and David Oneymata bolstered the Falcons’ pass rush, which culminated in a 22nd ranking in sacks this season. ESPN has identified Atlanta as the prime destination for current New England Patriots edge rusher Josh Uche, dubbing it the “best fit.”
According to ESPN, Atlanta, under the guidance of Raheem Morris, could secure Uche as a sub-package pass-rusher. Uche, who registered 18.5 sacks over four seasons with the Patriots, including a career-best 11.5 in 2022, has emerged as one of the top available pass rushers in free agency.
Drafted in the second round from Michigan, Uche is ranked 47th in ESPN’s top 50 list of available players in free agency, with speculation linking him to the Falcons. But how would Uche integrate into Atlanta’s defensive scheme?
During the introductory press conference for new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, it was revealed that the Falcons’ defense will adopt a base 3-4 scheme with flexibility. This suggests they will deploy hybrid outside linebackers/edge rushers, a common trend in today’s NFL. Players like Lorenzo Carter from the Falcons’ roster exemplify these linebacker/edge rushing hybrids, a concept familiar to Morris’s defensive schemes.
In Morris’s previous role as defensive coordinator, Leonard Floyd, a key pass rusher for the Los Angeles Rams, played a similar role to what Uche has in New England. Floyd, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 240 pounds, shares similar physical attributes with Uche, who matches the weight but stands two inches shorter. Neither possesses the typical size of a traditional defensive end.
