Dolphins sign Josh Uche in 2026 free agency

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 24: Josh Uche #55 of the New England Patriots reacts during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Nick Grace/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Miami Dolphins are adding edge rusher Josh Uche, according to a report from the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. The move comes Wednesday afternoon as the league's negotiating period, commonly known as the legal tampering" period, draws to an end. At 4 p.m. Eastern, the league will roll over into the 2026 league year, bringing with it the full onslaught of free agency.

Miami has already agreed to terms with quarterback Malik Willis and kicker Zane Gonzalez. Those agreements, along with the signing of Uche, can be made official once the new league year begins. The Dolphins are also expected to release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and linebacker Bradley Chubb on Wednesday. Both players will likely be designated as post-June 1" releases, giving Miami additional salary cap relief this year, but not seeing that space open for use until June 2.

Who is Josh Uche?

The veteran edge rusher was selected out of Michigan in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. A Miami, Florida native, Uche spent the early part of his career with the Patriots before being traded during the 2024 season to the Kansas City Chiefs. He then signed a one-year contract to play for the Philadelphia Eagles last year.

In his six-year career, Uche has appeared in 76 games, starting four times. He has 109 career tackles with one pass defensed, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and 21.5 sacks. His best season came with the Patriots in 2022 when he tallied 11.5 sacks in 15 games played.

Throughout his career, he has also be a contributor on special teams, a role he could find himself filling with Miami in 2026.

Contract details

Uche's deal is reportedly a one-year contract with Miami. The monetary details have not been reported, but it is likely a minimum-value contract. The Dolphins are tight against the salary cap and cannot be big spenders in free agency this year.