Not many edge rushers can say they cause fits for Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson.
Josh Uche is one of the few.
The good news for the Eagles is that they signed Uche to a free-agent deal this offseason. … and that maybe the only fits Johnson will have to deal with this season will come from practicing against him.
During minicamp this week, Johnson was complimentary of Uche and cited him as one of the standout edge rushers during offseason workouts.
"I remember playing him against the Patriots...really quick," Johnson said. "I think he's very versatile with what he can do."
Johnson referenced Philadelphia's matchup against the New England Patriots to kick off the 2023 season. During that game, Uche recorded a sack in the Eagles' 25-20 win and held their usually elite offensive line in check.
Since that 2023 season with the Patriots, Uche's career has been quite the roller coaster. He is on his third team in a single year and is looking to save his career with coordinator Vic Fangio and the Eagles' defense.
Uche played seven games for the Patriots last season before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs at the deadline.
But …
He didn't record a single sack for KC and had just two in the 2024 campaign.
Philadelphia is expecting more production this year from the 26-year-old. If Uche can be even close to his best season in New England (11.5 sacks in 2022), then the Eagles will be as good on defense as last year.
And for now?
At least an All-Pro like Johnson knows how good Uche can be.