Eagles adding veteran pass rusher in attempt to offset losses

The Eagles have suffered quite a few losses on the defensive side of the ball this week. As they attempt to backfill some of those departures, they made a minor addition Thursday.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Eagles have come to terms with pass rusher Josh Uche on a one-year deal: 

Pass-rush help for Philadelphia: Eagles reached agreement today on a one-year deal with former Chiefs free-agent LB Joshua Uche, who now will try to help replace Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. Deal negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln. pic.twitter.com/wKGH2MHJGw

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2025

Uche split this past season between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. Over 13 games, he recorded 23 combined tackles, three quarterback hits and two sacks. While that doesn't jump off the page, the former second-round pick did post 11 1/2 sacks in 2022 while playing under Bill Belichick in New England. Perhaps defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will be able to tap into what made Uche look like a budding star just a few seasons ago. 

As Schefter noted, Super Bowl hero Josh Sweat departed in free agency this week to sign a four-year/$76 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, a pact that guarantees him $41 million. Franchise icon Brandon Graham hasn't officially announced his retirement, but it is expected that the 36-year-old will go out on top. 

One of the biggest tasks for general manager Howie Roseman this offseason will be to replenish the crop of pass rushers that Fangio has at his disposal. Part of that might come in the form of players already in the building — Jalyx Hunt, for example — taking on bigger roles in 2025. But Uche is the first of what will surely be multiple external additions on the edge.