Lions sign Kerby Joseph to massive contract extension
The Detroit Lions have secured a four-year, $86 million extension with All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph.
The 24-year-old is now the highest-paid safety in league history, behind his average $21.5 million salary in his new deal. It puts him ahead of Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. ($21 million) and Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. ($19.1 million).
Through his first three seasons, Joseph has established himself as one of the league’s top safeties behind his hard-hitting style. He’s coming off leading the league with nine interceptions, which is tied for the most in franchise history with Jimmy Allen.
Meanwhile, he was also third on the team with 83 tackles, along with leading the NFL in passer rating allowed in coverage and holding the third-lowest completion percentage.
Joseph has notched at least four interceptions in his first three seasons, which hasn’t occurred for a safety in league history since Hall of Famer Ed Reed did so from 2002-2004.
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However, he has drawn some scrutiny and ire over the last couple of seasons due to the nature of a few of his hits, causing significant injuries. Joseph made a couple of low hits on Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson and Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee that resulted in season-ending knee injuries.
Joseph will continue to play a significant part in the Lions’ secondary and defensive identity for the foreseeable future. Next in line in Detroit for a new deal may be star pass rusher Aiden Hutchinson, who is fourth year of his rookie deal with his fifth-year option for the 2026 season already guaranteed.
