The New England Patriots managed to retain edge defender Josh Uche for the 2024 season. Despite exploring free agency for the first time, Uche decided to sign a one-year deal worth $3 million with the Patriots, which is considerably less than the offers he had received elsewhere.

However, Uche will have the opportunity to potentially earn more money through performance incentives included in his contract, amounting to a total of $5million.Ifhesuccessfullyattainsalltheseincentives,thetotalvalueofhiscontractcouldriseto$8 million.

To achieve this, Uche must meet specific criteria outlined in a report by Ben Volin from the Boston Globe.

Josh Uche, the edge defender: Incentives in his contract

In 2024, he can earn up to $5 million through various performance-based incentives such as:

• $500,000 for playing 30% of defensive snaps
• Another $500,000 for playing 40% of defensive snaps
• An additional $500,000 for playing 50% of defensive snaps
• Yet another $500,000 for playing 60% of defensive snaps
• $500,000 for playing 35% of defensive snaps and achieving 6 sacks
• $500,000 for playing 35% of defensive snaps and achieving 8 sacks
• $500,000 for playing 35% of defensive snaps and achieving 10 sacks
• $500,000 for playing 35% of defensive snaps and achieving 12 sacks
• $500,000 for playing 35% of defensive snaps and achieving 14 sacks
• Finally, $500,000 for making the Pro Bowl (original ballot.
• All of Uche’s bonuses are considered to be unlikely to be earned (NLTBE). This designation implies that they will not impact the Patriots’ salary cap for the current season and will only be factored into the team’s finances in 2025 if he meets the specified criteria – something he didn’t accomplish in 2023.

  In the previous season, Uche played 29.1 percent of defensive snaps and recorded only three sacks, missing out on a Pro Bowl selection. This performance forms the basis for the NLTBE label on his incentives. However, it may not fully represent his potential effectiveness as a part of New England’s outside linebacker unit.

  In 2022, Uche had his most successful season to date. Despite being on the field for just 33.1 percent of snaps, primarily as a designated pass rusher rather than an all-round defender, he managed to rack

  All of Uche’s bonuses are considered to be unlikely to be earned (NLTBE). This designation implies that they will not impact the Patriots’ salary cap for the current season and will only be factored into the team’s finances in 2025 if he meets the specified criteria – something he didn’t accomplish in 2023.

  In the previous season, Uche played 29.1 percent of defensive snaps and recorded only three sacks, missing out on a Pro Bowl selection. This performance forms the basis for the NLTBE label on his incentives. However, it may not fully represent his potential effectiveness as a part of New England’s outside linebacker unit.

  In 2022, Uche had his most successful season to date. Despite being on the field for just 33.1 percent of snaps, primarily as a designated pass rusher rather than an all-round defender, he managed to rack up 11.5 sacks. Nevertheless, even that impressive performance would have only triggered an additional $500,000 payment, as it failed to meet the required 35 percent snap threshold.

  The Patriots are essentially challenging Uche to not only replicate his past pass rushing productivity but also to expand his role within the defensive unit. Although he hasn’t surpassed the 33.1 percent playing time mark from his standout 2022 season, he must do so to come close to maximizing his potential contract earnings.