Potential Landing Spots For Oakland Raiders Karl Joseph

The Oakland Raiders completely revamped their safety position this offseason, signing Lamarcus Joyer and drafting Johnathan Abram. It appeared as if there was no room for former first rounder Karl Joseph. The Raiders then made their intentions clear by declining Joseph's fifth-year option, making him a free agent following the season. Joseph hasn't lived up to his draft selection - 14th overall in 2016 - but he has shown moments of potential. In 2018 he amassed 48 tackles with two sacks and an interception. He received an above average grade of 74.5 from Pro Football Focus, the highest of his career. For teams around the league, Joseph could be seen as a bounce-back type of player. With a change of scenery there is a chance he could live up to his first round pedigree. For the Raiders, moving Joseph ensures that they don't let him walk for free. While there's a chance they could earn a compensatory pick if he walks, there's also a chance he flops in the final year of his deal. Moving him now ensures that they get some form of compensation. Joseph is a hard-hitting young safety with potential in the NFL. If a team thinks he is worth it, the Raiders could fetch a first round pick for a player the new regime didn't draft. If Joseph were to be moved, these teams would likely be interested.

Carolina Panthers

After letting veteran Mike Adams walk in free agency, the team is now left with a safety duo of Eric Reid and Rashaan Gaulden. Reid is a solid starter who is likely locked in, but Gaulden is a big question mark. Appearing in 15 games last season, Gaulden made just 17 tackles with one pass defended. The former third round lacks experience necessary after being selected in the third round last year. Many Panthers' fans were shocked when the team didn't draft a safety in this years draft. Bill Voth, a reporter for the Panthers, stated that Gaulden is still getting used to the position after playing nickel cornerback in college.

Clearly, we didn’t learn a lot about Gaulden last season. But remember, almost as soon as they drafted him, they warned it would take him a bit to make the transition from college nickel back to NFL safety.

He went on to say that the team is still constructing their roster, leaving open the possibility for a trade. Carolina finished 18th in passing yards allowed last season and 23rd in yards per attempt. They could use to upgrade the back half of their secondary. Adding Joseph would allow the team to have more competition at the safety position and potentially a starter with experience next to Reid.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys were known suitors for both Earl Thomas - who signed with the Ravens - and Eric Berry - who remains a free agent. Perhaps they could still sign Berry, but there has been no indication that they are still interested. Overall, it appears that the Cowboys have been in the market for a safety all offseason. Joseph wouldn't provide the same skill set as a Thomas or Berry, but would allow the Cowboys to add to their depth at one of their weaker defensive positions. Currently Xavier Woods and Jeff Heath are lined up to start. Woods put together a strong season a sophomore, making 56 tackles with two interceptions and nine passes defended. He received an above average 68 from PFF and was lauded for his coverage skills. On paper, Heath also had a strong seasons, amassing 85 tackles with one interception and five passes defended. However, he received just an average 56.4 from PFF. The Cowboys are clearly looking to upgrade. Joseph would give the Cowboys a solid safety who has the ability to start and if nothing else would give the team great depth. After missing on Thomas and Berry, Joseph could be a fine consolation prize.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs were one of the weakest teams when it came to safeties in 2018. Team reporter Scott Smith writes:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw a significant amount of upheaval at the safety position during the 2018 season. It took five different players to account for the 32 starts at the two back-of-the-secondary spots, and a sixth man to help get through an especially difficult stretch in December. The two players who got the starts on opening day were on injured reserve by season's end, and in the end it was a rookie who would absorb the most safety snaps.

The Bucs safety unit looks improved, but still has question marks in 2019. Justin Evans showed potential, making 59 tackles and recovering a fumble. The team also signed Kentrell Brice to a one year contract. Brice made 50 tackles including a sack with the Packers in 2018. Evans received an above average 67.6 from PFF whereas Brice received a below average 51. Tampa Bay also used a third round pick on safety Mike Edwards out of Kentucky. All three should see the majority of snaps for the Bucs in 2019. All of that being said, Tampa Bay finished 26th in passing yards allowed in 2018 and 32nd in yards per attempt. Adding talent to their secondary will be key. Adding Joseph would give the Bucs another young talent to play with. While there would still be uncertainties, their depth would be much better than they had last year. As the Bucs look to sneak into the playoffs, a player like Joseph could end up being a key cog.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars were strapped for cash heading into the 2019 season and were forced to cut Tashuan Gibson. This came after they also released Barry Church in December. After signing Nick Foles the Jags have Super Bowl hopes again. Finding a crucial cog in the secondary could be key. Currently the team has Ronnie Harrison and Jarrod Wilson lined up to start. Both showed potential but were shaky in 2018. Harrison, a former third round draft pick, started eight games and made 32 tackles with an interception and three passes defended. He received an average 61.1 grade from PFF. Wilson, who is a former undrafted free agent, appeared in all 16 games and started two for the Jaguars. He made 21 tackles and defended two passes. He received a similar-to-Joseph grade from PFF with an above average 73.7. Both Harrison and Wilson have potential, but both are far from a sure thing. Behind them are just three players in Cody Davis, CJ Reavis and Cody Brown. Adding depth to the safety position should be key for the Jags. The rest of Jacksonville's defense looks pretty stacked, especially with the addition of Josh Allen. Adding strong safeties between AJ Bouye and Jalen Ramsey should be a priority. In trading for Joseph, they get another hard hitter and young player to work with as they look to make it back to the AFC Championship game.

Oakland Raiders

When it comes to Karl Joseph, the Raiders could simply look to hold on. He already has a fan in head coach Jon Gruden.

If the team actually gives him an opportunity to compete, there is a chance he could end up like Chicago Bear Kyle Fuller. Fuller had his option declined and went on to post 55 tackles with seven interceptions and 21 passes defended on his way to a Pro Bowl and All-Pro 2018 season. That's not saying that Joseph will end up an All-Pro, but if the team lets him compete, there is a chance he could bounce back. If so, then the Raiders would no longer have a bust on their hands, but a potential difference maker. There have been rumors that Joyner will play slot corner in 2019. If so, a starting position would still be open for Joseph. Playing next to Abram could prove to be one of the better young safety cores in the league. If they perform better than expected, perhaps Joseph gets an extension and they keep Joyner in the slot. Overall, it isn't a foregone conclusion that Joseph will be moved. He clearly still has fans in the organization. There is a chance the Raiders let him play out his contract to see what kind of player he truly is.