In a major commitment to their defensive future, the Detroit Lions have reached an agreement with star safety Kerby Joseph on a four-year, $86 million contract extension. According to multiple reports from Wednesday night, the deal makes Joseph the highest-paid safety in the history of the National Football League, surpassing all previous salary benchmarks at his position.
Joseph’s new contract averages $21.5 million per year, overtaking the previous record held by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who signed a four-year, $84.1 million extension in 2024 that averages $21.025 million annually. Joseph was originally set to earn $3.621 million in base salary in 2025, the final year of his rookie contract. The new extension represents a dramatic raise and a reflection of his importance to Detroit’s defense moving forward.
At just 24 years old, Joseph has already established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive playmakers. His breakout campaign in the 2024 season earned him First-Team All-Pro honors. He led the NFL with nine interceptions—one of which he returned for a touchdown—while also recording 83 total tackles and 12 pass breakups across all 17 regular season games, each of which he started.
Joseph’s impact extends beyond his statistics. He has quickly developed into a vocal leader in the locker room and a reliable anchor in the Lions’ secondary. His ability to read quarterbacks, anticipate plays, and create turnovers has been instrumental in Detroit’s rise as a defensive force in the NFC.
Originally selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft (No. 97 overall) out of the University of Illinois, Joseph has made an immediate impact since entering the league. In just 49 games (46 starts), he has accumulated 17 interceptions, 247 tackles, 31 passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown. His ball-hawking instincts and versatility in coverage have made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
This record-setting extension not only secures Joseph’s future in Detroit but also sends a clear message about the Lions’ long-term vision. By locking in a homegrown talent at a premium position, Detroit is signaling its commitment to building a championship-caliber team around young stars. With Joseph under contract for the foreseeable future, the Lions are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the NFC for years to come.
