2 weeks Ago
The Detroit Lions and safety Kerby Joseph agreed to terms on a four-year, $86 million extension, worth $21.5 million per year, a league source said. The deal will make him the highest-paid safety in NFL history, per the NFL Network.
Joseph, 24, is entering his fourth season with the Lions after a career year in which he led the NFL with nine interceptions. He also had 83 tackles and 12 passes defended and started all 17 regular-season games and one playoff game. Advertisement The Lions went 15-2 last season, but suffered a shocking 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.
As a third-round pick coming out of the 2022 NFL Draft, Joseph was more athlete than a football player. He spent time at wide receiver in college, and it showed in his game. The ball skills, athletic ability and natural instincts were all there.
He just had to land in the right situation — a secondary that would allow him to roam as a centerfielder and what he does best. Ultimately, the Lions and Joseph found a perfect match in one another. In his third year, he developed into a first-team All-Pro.
He’s got a knack for football and an elite trait patrolling as a free safety. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said numerous times that Joseph is a player the Lions want to keep around. This extension felt like a long time coming.
The Lions are keeping another homegrown talent, joining the likes of Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Alim McNeill. Star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is next.
NFL Network was first to report news of Joseph’s extension. (Photo: Lon Horwedel / Imagn Images).
