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New Eagles OLB Has Message For Chiefs After Signing And Shining In Season Opener Vs. Cowboys

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — September 6, 2025

After signing with the Eagles, Joshua Uche made an immediate impact in the Philadelphia Eagles’ season-opening 24-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The signing was finalized on March 13, 2025, when the Eagles swiftly brought Uche on board as a free agent to bolster their defensive front following the departures of Josh Sweat and franchise legend Brandon Graham.

Uche, formerly with the Kansas City Chiefs, arrived in Philadelphia with a reputation as a dynamic edge rusher, having recorded 11.5 sacks in the 2022 season with the New England Patriots. His time in Kansas City, however, was underwhelming, as he played just 87 defensive snaps and was notably absent from the Chiefs’ lineup in their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles, 40-22. The Chiefs’ decision to let him go sparked debate across the league.

“I’m not bitter, but I’m driven,” Uche said after the game. “The Chiefs didn’t find a way to use me, but Philly opened the door. Now I’m here to show exactly what they missed out on.”

From the Eagles’ perspective, Uche’s appeal was undeniable: a fast, disruptive edge rusher with 64 games of NFL experience. In the opener against Dallas, Uche showcased his value with an assisted tackle and two quarterback pressures on Dak Prescott, contributing to the Eagles’ defense limiting the Cowboys’ high-powered offense. His presence in the pass-rush rotation helped disrupt Dallas’ rhythm, particularly in the second half when the Cowboys’ defense tightened up. Uche’s quickness off the edge was evident in a key third-down play in the third quarter, where his pressure forced Prescott into an incomplete pass, leading to a punt. He seamlessly integrated into defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme, displaying versatility in pass-rushing situations and fitting into nickel and dime packages.

Uche’s stint with the Chiefs ended abruptly after a midseason trade from the Patriots in October 2024. Despite playing in only six games and primarily serving as a rotational player, he still generated 13 pressures last season. The Eagles’ quick move to sign him to a one-year, $1.92 million deal ($1.25 million guaranteed) reflected their confidence in his ability to rejuvenate their pass rush, especially after securing the Super Bowl title.

In the short term, Uche is expected to thrive in the Eagles’ rotational defensive scheme alongside Nolan Smith and Azeez Ojulari. His performance in the opener proved he’s a perfect fit for Philly’s disciplined yet explosive defensive style. Long-term, Uche’s professionalism and relentless drive position him to become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ locker room, where the “Go Birds” culture demands dedication and no excuses.

With his debut at Lincoln Financial Field, Uche sent a clear message to Kansas City: “I’ve got plenty left in the tank, and Philadelphia is where I’ll prove it.”

Raiders Reunite with a Former Starter to Fortify the Offensive Line
Las Vegas, NV   The Las Vegas Raiders have brought back a familiar face in a move that screams both urgency and savvy: versatile offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor is returning to the Silver & Black on a one-year deal (terms not disclosed), reuniting with the franchise where he logged some of the best football of his career and immediately fortifying a position group that has been stretched thin. Eluemunor, 31, started for the Raiders from 2021–2023, showing rare position flexibility across right tackle and guard while anchoring pass protection against premier edge rushers. His technique, anchor, and ability to handle long-arm power made him a steadying force during multiple playoff pushes. After departing Vegas, Eluemunor spent time elsewhere refining his craft, but a confluence of roster needs and scheme familiarity has set the stage for a timely homecoming. For the Raiders—fighting to keep pace in a rugged AFC—this is about stability and fit. Injuries and week-to-week availability on the right side of the line have forced constant shuffling; protection packages have leaned heavily on chips and condensed splits to survive obvious passing downs. Eluemunor’s return allows the staff to plug him at RT or slide him inside at RG, restoring balance to protections and widening the run-game menu (duo, inside zone, and the toss/ pin-pull that Vegas fans love when the edge is sealed). “Jermaine knows who we are and how we want to play,” a team source said. “He brings ballast. Assignment sound, physical, and smart—he raises the floor for the entire unit.” Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s an unmistakable emotional charge to this reunion. Eluemunor was a locker-room favorite in his previous stint—professional, detail-driven, and accountable. The belief internally is that his presence stabilizes communication on the right side (IDs, slides, and pass-off rules vs. games and simulated pressures), which in turn unlocks more vertical concepts and keeps the quarterback cleaner late in games. On social media, Raider Nation lit up the timeline with a simple refrain: “Welcome back, Jem.” Many fans called the deal the exact kind of “rival-poach, ready-to-play” move a contender makes in October: low friction, high impact, zero learning curve. What it means on the field (immediately): Pass pro: Fewer emergency chips, more five-out releases—OC can re-open deeper intermediate shots without living in max-protect. Run game: Better edge control on toss/duo; more confidence running to the right on money downs. Depth & versatility: One injury doesn’t force a cascade of position changes; Eluemunor can cover two spots with starting-level competency. The timetable? Swift. Because Eluemunor already speaks the language—terminology, splits, cadence rules—he could suit up as early as this weekend if the medicals/check-ins continue to trend positive. The message is clear: the Raiders aren’t waiting around for the line to gel—they’re engineering it. If Jermaine Eluemunor plays to his Raider résumé, this reunion could be the precise mid-season jolt that steadies the offense and keeps the Silver & Black firmly in the postseason race. Raider Nation, the question writes itself: Plug-and-play stopgap—or the catalyst that reclaims the right side