Six 2020 Cleveland Browns starters, not on the roster in 2021
By Greg Newland
![Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65) is congratulated by Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (98) after sacking Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 3](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F15460462-850x560-260b84255e5dca4bfc443e0be99544dfa9a41f2a1074ac3b9207e3c4df96e18b.jpg "Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65) is congratulated by Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (98) after sacking Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 3")
Karl Joseph – Strong Safety
One of the more exciting additions in the 2020 offseason was Karl Joseph for me. The big-hitting, former first-round pick had a few decent seasons with the Raiders, but never quite lived up to expectations.
Like Johnson, Berry gave Joseph a one-year deal to prove his worth for a long-term contract. While things started out well, by the end of the season Joseph was becoming more and more of a liability and lost his starting job to Ronnie Harrison.
Joseph played in 14 games and started 8 while totaling 67 tackles and one interception. Unfortunately, the Browns’ late addition of Harrison and an injury was a big hit to Joseph’s playing time about five weeks into the season.
After that things just appeared forced to try and get back in the starting lineup. Joseph was going for too many big hits and missing easy tackles and had far too many 15-yard personal foul penalties that killed the Browns at certain times.
Joseph is a starting-caliber NFL safety, but unfortunately, his style of play was better suited 15 years ago rather than now. He will get another opportunity, but the Browns will be tremendously updated at safety with Harrison, Grant Delpit, and John Johnson in 2021.