Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. (Mark 15: 44-45)

Jesus had died after about three hours on the cross. Most took longer. Some took days to die.

Leaving the carcass to decay and subject to scavengers was the common practice and thought to heighten the deterrent effect.

But for Pilate granting Joseph's request presented the prospect of gaining an ally within the Council. He might still benefit politically from using Jesus.

If Joseph had not been a man of influence, Pilate would have been unlikely to see him, much less accede to his request.

Both Joseph and Pilate deployed their political assets. Pilate made a gesture in hope of gaining influence. Joseph risked his future by extending charity to a criminal and a heretic.