In April, the Cleveland Browns signed safety Karl Joseph to a one-year $2.5 million deal.
Joseph spent the four first seasons of his career with the Oakland Raiders, but believes Cleveland is the perfect fit for his future.
Why Karl Joseph sees Cleveland as a "perfect fit" for his future
📰 » https://t.co/dMfErkGhvw pic.twitter.com/nDegZqWYyW
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 14, 2020
The former first-round pick likely had multiple organizations chasing after him this offseason, but he decided to come to Cleveland.
“I wanted to go somewhere where I felt wanted and appreciated,” says Joseph.
Joseph’s NFL Career
The Raiders selected Joseph with the 14th overall pick during the 2016 NFL Draft.
He recorded 60 tackles and one interception through 12 games his rookie season.
Joseph became a full-time starter the following season and finished with 79 tackles, one sack, and one interception.
His stats took a bit of a hit during the next two seasons, but Joseph has remained reliable throughout his four seasons in the league.
Joseph has recorded 236 tackles, three sacks, and four interceptions through 49 games in his career.
There has been some up-and-down moments, but Joseph believes that Cleveland is the best fit for him long term.
Why Pick Cleveland?
Joseph was looking for a change of scenery but says he loved the rowdiness of the “Black Hole,” while he was playing in Oakland.
Former Browns defensive back T.J. Ward told Joseph about “Dawg Pound” and he was immediately sold on the idea.
“It’s not going to be much different,” Joseph said. “I’m coming from the black team to the orange team. I’m excited for that.”
Karl Joseph Over The Years” data-gallery-id=”300a7a57-2264-46d9-992a-3804bf503950″>
How Does Joseph Fit in Cleveland?
Joseph is expected to be the starting strong safety for Cleveland entering the 2020 campaign.
However, Joseph says that he has experience at both safety spots and is willing to play wherever the team needs him.
It’s nice to have Joseph on the roster since the Browns don’t have much experience at the safety position.
The only other veteran at the safety spot is 10-year pro Andrew Sendejo.
Cleveland Browns NFL Draft, PFF Big Board rankings
11. Jedrick Wills Jr. OT
15. Grant Delpit S
23. Jordan Elliott DT
184. Jacob Phillips LB
147. Harrison Bryant
93. Nick Harris
159. Donovan Peoples-Jones WRGrade: A+ pic.twitter.com/FiTgdJJBWG
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 26, 2020
The Browns selected LSU safety Grant Delpit in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Joseph knows that Cleveland lacks experience at the safety position, but has some advice for the young Browns players coming into the league.
Joseph says the players need to be “studying and learning now to study the right way.”
It sounds like Joseph is going to fit in as a useful veteran presence for this young Browns secondary.
2020 and Beyond
The Browns have Joseph locked down for the 2020 season, but it doesn’t sound like he plans on staying for just one season.
His goal is to stay here longer, but it all depends on how everything plays out next season.
The 26-year-old has proven to be a reliable option during his first four seasons in Oakland.
Cleveland doesn’t exactly have great contributors at safety right now, so there is a good chance that Joseph does stick around after the 2020 campaign.
Regardless of what happens, it sounds like Joseph is excited and ready to be a part of the “Dawg Pound.”
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