Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs did all they could to win another Super Bowl in the 2024 NFL season, including a trade for star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins halfway through the season. But it wasn’t enough.
And while Hopkins‘ addition didn’t exactly elevate the offense to another level, it wouldn’t be fair to call it a failed trade. But there were other moves that did left a lot to be desired in Kansas City, such as the deal for Joshua Uche.
Speaking at the NFL owners meetings this week, Reid regretted the timing for Uche’s arrival, but he went even further by admitting that his profile wasn’t exactly what the Chiefs needed.
“Probably wasn’t a great fit for what we do. And we got him late and we were trying to work him in,” Reid said, via Zach Berman of The Athletic. “That’s a tougher deal to do.
Joshua Uche #55 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
“Would have liked to see him throughout training camp so we have time to get him in there and go. By the time we got him, we were rolling. I’m not sure the fit was exactly what our defense (needed),” continued Reid, before he clarified: “He’s a great kid.”
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Uche’s disappointing tenure in Kansas City
The Chiefs gave up a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire the experienced linebacker from the New England Patriots before the deadline, hoping to give a boost to the defense ran by Steve Spagnuolo.
However, Uche never settled in on Reid’s team. A healthy scratch in four of 10 regular season games and inactive during the playoffs, the 26-year-old left Kansas City with only 10 tackles to his name in six appearances, playing just 22% of the snaps.
To make things worse, Uche will spend the 2025 NFL season with the team that prevented Reid and the Chiefs from pulling off a three-peat. This offseason, the edge rusher joined the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year, $1.92 million deal which includes $1.25 million guaranteed.
Hopkins also leaves in free agency after midseason trade to Chiefs
Hopkins, on the other hand, spent more time on the field than Uche during his short stint with the Chiefs. With five starts in 10 appearances, the wideout caught 41 passes for 437 yards with four touchdowns.
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He also started in two of the Chiefs’ three playoff games, though he was limited to just three catches for 29 yards and a touchdown in the postseason. Just like Uche, D-Hop packed his bags after playing last season on an expiring contract. Next year, Hopkins will chase a Super Bowl ring with Lamar Jackson on the Baltimore Ravens.
