Patriots young defenders not looking ahead to future payday
FOXBORO, Mass. – Two key defensemen are heading into their contract year with the New England Patriots, but they are more focused on the season ahead rather than a future payday. Linebacker Josh Uche and defensive back Kyle Dugger are looking towards the upcoming season and allowing their agents to handle the business side of things. "Whatever happens, happens. […]
FOXBORO, Mass. – Two key defensemen are heading into their contract year with the New England Patriots, but they are more focused on the season ahead rather than a future payday.
Linebacker Josh Uche and defensive back Kyle Dugger are looking towards the upcoming season and allowing their agents to handle the business side of things.
"Whatever happens, happens. All I can do is my job. That's the only thing I can control," Uche said. "So I kind of let my agents handle that and I come out here each day and be the best football player I can be. Be the best teammate I can be."
Uche was drafted by the Patriots in the second round (60th overall pick) of the 2020 draft. He spent some of his rookie season on injured reserve, but was able to appear in nine games including the win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10 where he recorded his first career sack.
Uche finished his first season with nine tackles, while recording 12 tackles and three sacks across 12 games in his second season.
His third season is where Uche emerged as a top defender, playing in 15 games and recording 27 tackles along with 11.5 sacks.
"Whatever is asked of me I'm going to do it to the best of my ability. It don't matter if I'm happy or not. You got to wake up each day and go to work, right? So, you got a job to do and being able to have a job to do, waking up in the morning with a purpose is a blessing so I'm happy."
As for Dugger, the defensive back was selected just before Uche in the 2020 NFL draft, being picked in the second round with the 37th overall pick. Now entering his third season, his mind is solely on football.
“That’s not on my mind. That’s the business part. When I’m on the field, I’m trying to handle business on the field and let that be that. I definitely enjoy playing with the Patriots organization,” Dugger said.
Dugger finished his rookie season with 64 tackles across 14 games played. He had his best showing in his second year, recording 92 tackles and four interceptions across 15 games. Dugger followed it up with 78 tackles and three interceptions last season.
Both players have contributed a lot to the Patriots defense and their goal this season is to play to the best of their ability, and if that leads to a nice payday at the end, then it's an added bonus.
Featured Image via Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
