In 2024, few Detroit Lions players have made a bigger leap forward in their career than safety Kerby Joseph.
Joseph was already an effective safety in his first two NFL seasons, improving in 2023 from his rookie year. However, his performance has reached new heights in 2024.
This season, Joseph has set career-highs in completion rate allowed (42.4%), passer rating against (39.5), and interceptions (seven). He’s also just one pass defensed away from matching his career-best mark of 11.
Given Joseph’s elite play, Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut suggests the Lions should prioritize signing the young safety to a contract extension next offseason.
While Aidan Hutchinson could have been in consideration for a similar deal, his recent season-ending injury makes it less likely. Instead, Joseph’s All-Pro-level play and his role in stabilizing Detroit’s defense despite a diminished pass rush make him the prime candidate for a significant extension. Locking in top talents before they reach the open market or require a franchise tag — which could happen in 2026 — is often a smart move.
Joseph, a third-round pick in 2022, is in the third year of his four-year, $5 million rookie contract, which runs through 2025.
While the Lions have time to negotiate, Joseph could push for a new deal before his current contract expires, a strategy some players pursue. Detroit has shown a preference for early extensions, as evidenced by their actions this past offseason.
Joseph’s performance and leadership make him deserving of a lucrative, long-term extension. Detroit values him highly, as he brings both impact on the field and confidence to the team.
However, Joseph’s outstanding numbers will make him an expensive player to retain. The Lions will need to decide how much they’re willing to invest at the safety position. Ultimately, it’s likely Detroit and Joseph will reach a fair agreement for both sides.
