Kerby Joseph, a rising star in the Detroit Lions’ secondary, has signed a major four-year contract extension worth $86 million, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history. This new deal surpasses the previous record set by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who inked a $84.1 million contract earlier in the offseason.
The extension highlights Joseph’s meteoric rise since being drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In just three seasons, he’s developed into one of the most impactful safeties in the league and a key part of Detroit’s defensive unit. His standout 2024 campaign featured nine interceptions, the most in the NFL, and earned him First-Team All-Pro honors—something no Lions safety had achieved since the legendary Yale Lary in 1962.
Joseph’s new deal averages $21.5 million annually. While only $849,020 is fully guaranteed at signing, his 2025 salary cap hit stands at a modest $3.86 million, with a total cash payout of $3.65 million for that year. His contract structure allows the Lions some early flexibility, which could be crucial as they manage their roster and salary commitments in the coming seasons. Interestingly, despite the high overall value, the initial ranking of Joseph’s cap hit places him just 80th among all NFL safeties for 2025—a testament to the team’s strategic planning.
In terms of performance, Joseph’s production has been nothing short of elite. Over 49 career games, with 46 starts, he has recorded 17 interceptions, 247 total tackles, 31 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and even a touchdown. His instincts, range, and ability to read quarterbacks have made him a dangerous presence in the backfield, often changing the momentum of games with game-altering plays.
The Lions’ decision to lock in Joseph long-term reflects a broader organizational philosophy under General Manager Brad Holmes. Holmes has consistently emphasized building through the draft, developing talent internally, and rewarding key contributors. He praised Joseph for embodying the culture the team is striving to build—tough, smart, and team-oriented.
Holmes pointed out that Joseph’s unique blend of ball-hawking instincts and reliable tackling ability makes him a rare and valuable player. As such, the organization felt it was important to secure his services well into the future, especially as the Lions aim to maintain their momentum following a playoff-contending 2024 season. With a young core that includes players like Aidan Hutchinson and Brian Branch, Detroit’s defense is shaping into one of the NFL’s most promising units.
This contract extension also sends a message to the league and Lions fans alike: Detroit is serious about contending, and they plan to do so by keeping their homegrown stars. By investing in Joseph, the Lions are reinforcing a culture of accountability, performance, and long-term team building.
With this deal, Joseph is now signed through the 2029 season. The Lions hope he’ll remain a fixture in their defense for years to come, anchoring a secondary that’s steadily grown into a strength. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, Detroit’s proactive approach to securing top talent like Joseph could prove pivotal in their quest for sustained success in the NFC North and beyond.
In summary, Kerby Joseph’s extension not only rewards his exceptional play but also marks a major milestone for both him and the franchise. As the highest-paid safety in league history, he now carries not just expectations, but the leadership role of setting the tone for a Lions defense that has big aspirations for the years ahead.
