Lions make Joseph the highest-paid safety with an $86M deal.

The Detroit Lions have agreed to a four-year, $86 million contract extension with All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history. This deal, which averages $21.5 million annually, surpasses the previous record set by Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr. at $21 million per year. Joseph addressed the media on Thursday, during the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, expressing his gratitude to the Lions organization, his teammates, and his family.

Joseph emphasized that his motivation has always been the love for the game, rather than financial incentives. “I do this because I love it,” he said, acknowledging the bonus of a lucrative contract but stressing his passion for football. With his new extension in place through 2029, Joseph shared his lofty goals, including becoming the best safety in the league and earning a gold jacket for his achievements. He also expressed his desire to win a Super Bowl, pairing the prestigious Hall of Fame honor with a championship ring.

Entering his fourth season after being drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2022 draft, Joseph led the NFL with nine interceptions last season, tying a franchise record. He also had a pick-six and posted 83 tackles. Joseph ranked highly in coverage metrics and was named a first-team All-Pro, along with three of his Lions teammates. He is the first player since Hall of Famer Ed Reed to record four or more interceptions in each of his first three seasons.