The Chiefs aren’t slowing down, folks! Just a day after yet another helluva performance, Kansas City made waves in the trade market with a savvy pickup—Josh Uche.

On Instagram, NFL insider Adam Schefter dropped the update: KC’s acquiring outside LB Josh Uche from the Pats. The 2020 Michigan second-round pick now heads to the Chiefs to boost an already formidable defense. “Kansas City is acquiring LB Josh Uche from the Patriots, per sources. Uche is the Patriots 2020 second-round pick from Michigan, who now will go from New England to Kansas City,” Schefter reported. 

HC Andy Reid confirmed the trade. Per Ian Rapoport, New England’s getting a 2026 sixth-round pick in return. And honestly? The timing couldn’t be better. Injuries have hit Kansas City’s LB corps hard—Nick Bolton and Leo Chanel have both faced major setbacks. 

Uche, known for his speed and knack for pressuring QBs, steps in as a valuable insurance policy. Last season, he recorded 11.5 sacks—a skill the Chiefs hope he’ll bring into AFC battles this year. This is also the KC team’s second major transaction. They brought in DeAndre Hopkins to bolster their receiver corps—a move in response to AFC rivals stacking their own offenses. 

The Bills landed Amari Cooper, while the Jets pulled off WR Davante Adams, adding to the Chiefs’ urgency to remain competitive on both sides of the ball. But while Hopkins filled a clear offensive need, the Josh Uche trade adds even more firepower to a defense that’s already allowing the fifth-fewest points per game.

As Kansas City awaits the recovery of Bolton and Chanel, Uche’s arrival’s all the buzz right now. 

Chiefs face LB concerns as Nick Bolton and Leo Chenal battle injuries 

Under all the fanfare surrounding the Chiefs’ undefeated start, LB depth might be facing a setback. Nick Bolton’s status is uncertain after a tough fourth-quarter hit against the Raiders. 

While diving to bring down RB Ameer Abdullah, Bolton may have hurt himself. And as we saw, he struggled to get off-field. The Chiefs’ star LB was headed straight to the locker room for evaluation, with no official update on the extent of his injury yet. 

Bolton’s been phenomenal, though. He tallied 44 tackles (30 solo) in week 8—proving his consistency. Losing him would leave a substantial gap in Kansas City’s defense.

Adding to the LB uncertainty is Leo Chenal, who’s been battling a shoulder issue. Fortunately for Chiefs fans, Chenal was able to fully participate in practices this week. He’s on track to be ready for the next game. While his availability looks solid, any last-minute setback could shift his status for the game.

As the Chiefs keep their eyes on a deep postseason run, every move matters—especially with AFC contenders sharpening up their own rosters.