Lions Reach Extension Agreement to Make Kerby Joseph Highest-Paid Safety in NFL History

Joseph's set to earn $21.5 million annually with his new contract extension.

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph warms up for a game. / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions agreed to a four-year, $86 million contract extension with safety Kerby Joseph, which now makes Joseph the highest-paid safety in NFL history, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday.

Joseph's expected to earn $21.5 million annually, which surpasses Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr.'s yearly salary of $21.025 million.

Joseph had a standout 2024 season as he earned his first career All-Pro honors and was the league's interception leader with nine total interceptions. One of those interceptions he returned for a touchdown.

The safety also completed 83 tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit.

The #Lions and All-Pro S Kerby Joseph reached agreement on a massive new extension to make him the highest paid safety in NFL history, sources say.

He gets a 4-year, $86M deal — $21.5M per year — in contract done by @AgentLouisBing. A big-time star in Detroit cashes in. pic.twitter.com/NWu9nmKolm

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2025

Joseph's 2024 season allowed for him to be named the No. 1 safety in the league by Pro Football Focus' rankings. Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton—a player who is also looking for a big extension this offseason—was ranked second behind Joseph. Both Joseph and Hamilton were drafted in 2022 by their respective teams.

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