Kerby Joseph Signs $86 Million Extension With The Lions, Is Now The Highest Paid Safety In League History

ByJoseph Gibsonon April 28, 2025inArticles›Celebrity News

At just 24 years old, Kerby Joseph was nearing the end of his rookie contract with the Detroit Lions. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Lions are making a major commitment to their star safety, having just announced a massive four-year, $86 million contract extension that will keep Joseph in Detroit through his prime.

Joseph has never been short on confidence — he even told Jim Rome during an offseason interview that he considered himself the best safety in the NFL. Now, he has the paycheck to match the swagger.

The deal makes him not only the highest-paid safety currently playing, but the highest-paid safety in league history. While quarterbacks and wide receivers often dominate the NFL’s salary rankings, it’s rare for safeties — even elite ones — to command deals at this level, highlighting just how highly Detroit values Joseph’s presence on the field. Joseph’s new record surpasses the mark previously set by Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who signed a four-year, $84.1 million deal last year.

Kerby Joseph Signs $86 Million Extension With The Lions, Is Now The Highest Paid Safety In League History - 1

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The extension represents a massive leap for Joseph, who had just $3.6 million left on his rookie contract. He’s coming off a standout season, recording nine interceptions — another league-leading stat that helped solidify his value to the Lions. Beyond his ball-hawking prowess, Joseph was a consistent defensive anchor, racking up [insert tackles or passes defended if you want to be specific] and playing a key role in the Lions’ secondary all season. His ability to read offenses, force turnovers, and shut down opposing passing attacks made him one of the most valuable defensive players on the roster.

Joseph’s deal continues a trend of Detroit locking down its young core with huge paydays. The Lions’ front office has made it clear they intend to build a sustainable contender by securing key pieces before they hit free agency, ensuring continuity and chemistry across the roster for years to come.

Last offseason, quarterback Jared Goff signed a four-year, $212 million extension — the richest deal in Lions history , with $170 million guaranteed. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown followed with a $120 million extension, while offensive tackle Penei Sewell inked one worth $112 million. Star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson is also eligible for an extension this year, setting the stage for another potential blockbuster deal.

Joseph, for his part, celebrated the news across his social media accounts, proudly embracing his new title as the league’s highest-paid safety. Lions fans are surely hoping he’ll continue to live up to his own bold promise — to “continue to be the best” safety in the NFL.

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Matthew Stafford Will Likely Become The Highest-Paid Player In The NFL With His Next Extension

ByJoey Heldon December 11, 2016inArticles›Sports News

The Detroit Lions have been living on the edge all season. In their first 11 games, they trailed in the fourth quarter. This past week against the New Orleans Saints – we’ll remind you it’s the first week of December – was the first time the Lions had played in a game decided by more than seven points. Yet they’re sitting at 8-4 and in first place in the NFC North, and a big reason for that is Matthew Stafford .

The Lions quarterback is flirting with his best passer rating and completion percentage ever, and is on pace to throw single-digit interceptions for just the second time in his career. The other time? 2009, when Stafford only played three games thanks to injury.

It’s going to result in a big payday for Stafford, whose contract expires next season. He’s likely to become the highest-paid player in the league, and it’s not crazy to think he’ll command $25 million per year. That’s what his agents had in mind, even before his great 2016.

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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

He probably won’t have to wait until 2017, either. The Lions haven’t exactly seen much postseason success in the past 60 years, winning just one playoff game since 1957. They’d be wise to lock Stafford up to a long-term deal, even if it means meeting his salary demands.

Currently, Stafford is making $17 million and is on the books for another $16.5 million last year. He signed an extension in 2013 and turns 29 in February, so he’s still got plenty of good years left in him.

This offseason, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck signed a five-year, $122.97 million deal, which is the richest in NFL history. Luck is making about $24.6 million per year with his new contract.

He joined Drew Brees , Joe Flacco and Carson Palmer as the only quarterbacks to average more than $22 million per season.

Stafford has a very real chance to surpass all of them. He can put himself in a much better position by getting Detroit back to the postseason and leading them to a victory once they’re there.

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