Report: Raiders are visiting with former first-round pick Karl Joseph

Let’s look at a little recent Raiders’ history.

In 2018 and 2019, there were rumors that Raiders coach Jon Gruden was shopping 2016 first-round pick Karl Joseph in trades.

In 2019, the Raiders declined to give the fifth-year option to Joseph, which basically signals the player was a failed pick in the first round.

In 2020, Las Vegas — flush with salary-cap room — allowed Joseph to sign a meager one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns, officially ending the relationship between the No. 14 overall draft pick in 2016 and the Raiders.

But wait ... there’s more.

On Thursday night — April 8, 2021 — NFL Media reported that the safety is in Las Vegas visiting with the Raiders.

Well, well, well.

The Raiders need a free safety and while Joseph may not be the most perfect fit for Gus Bradley’s system, he could be looked at as depth. But with very little salary cap room, this is an interesting move.

We all know what Joseph is. He is a hard hitter who isn’t good in coverage and it would be a stretch to call him a plus player. if Joseph is brought back to the Silver and Black, I’d think that wouldn’t change any of the team’s drafting plans at the position.

It’s never boring at this place, that’s for sure.