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.
Gruden confirmed Raiders won't exercise Karl Joseph's 5th-year option, but "it does not mean, by any means, that we don’t want Karl Joseph as a captain or a leader on this team now and in the future."
— Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) May 3, 2019
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.
