Kerby Cashes In: Lions Make Kerby Joseph Highest-Paid Safety in NFL History with Jaw-Dropping $86M Deal

In a major move just ahead of the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have locked up one of their brightest young stars, securing safety Kerby Joseph with a record-setting contract extension. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport broke the news, revealing that Joseph and the Lions agreed to a four-year, $86 million deal — an average of $21.5 million per season. The extension, negotiated by agent Louis Bing, makes Joseph the highest-paid safety in NFL history, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Antoine Winfield Jr. ($21.025 million per year).

Joseph, a third-round selection out of Illinois, has emerged as a cornerstone of Detroit’s defense in just three seasons. His breakout 2024 campaign saw him lead the league with nine interceptions, earning his first All-Pro nod and firmly establishing himself as one of the NFL’s elite playmakers on the back end.

The Lions’ decision to secure Joseph long-term is a strong signal of their commitment to maintaining a dominant defensive identity. As Rapoport noted, Joseph’s deal could set the stage for additional extensions, with several other young talents potentially in line for new deals. And with the 2025 NFL Draft now less than a day away, Detroit could look to further bolster its defense with the 28th overall pick — adding more firepower to a unit already anchored by its newly-minted All-Pro safety.