Detroit Lions Sign Safety Kerby Joseph highest-paid safety in NFL Record-Breaking $86 million extension, Deal

The Detroit Lions have locked in one of their top defensive playmakers for the foreseeable future. According to NFL Media, the team has signed safety Kerby Joseph to a four-year, $86 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history. The deal averages $21.5 million per season, exceeding the previous record set by Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr., who signed a four-year, $84.1 million deal worth $21.025 million per year in 2024.

Joseph still had one year remaining on his rookie deal, but his standout performance last season clearly accelerated negotiations. The 24-year-old safety led the league in interceptions with nine, while also tallying 83 total tackles and 12 pass breakups—both career highs. His combined 21 interceptions and passes defended ranked just behind Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who had 19 pass breakups and five picks.

Drafted in the third round out of Illinois in 2022, Joseph has quickly become a cornerstone of Detroit’s defense. Despite not being selected for the Pro Bowl, he earned First Team All-Pro honors in 2024, highlighting his elite impact on the field. Through 37 career games, he has posted 136 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 36 passes defended.

This massive extension is just one step in Detroit’s broader effort to retain their rising stars. With Joseph now secured, attention could soon turn to negotiating a potentially record-setting deal for standout edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson