Kerby Joseph isn’t just making noise on the field — he’s forcing the Detroit Lions into a big decision off of it. After a breakout All-Pro campaign in 2024 and a top-six finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting, the 24-year-old safety has officially arrived. And now, it’s time to pay up.
The Lions still have Joseph under contract for another year, but recent market shifts — like Jalen Pitre’s $39 million deal in Houston — suggest Detroit might want to strike early before the price skyrockets. Joseph is outperforming players who are already getting paid, and he knows it.
While the NFL’s highest-paid safety, Antoine Winfield Jr., makes over $21 million annually, the Lions may be able to work out something slightly below that for now. A projected three-year, $58 million extension with a player option after two seasons could benefit both sides — rewarding Joseph while giving the Lions flexibility and cost certainty.
Waiting could mean shelling out even more. Joseph is just entering his prime, and if 2024 was any indication, Detroit can’t afford to let him walk or risk a massive bidding war later.
What Will It Take to Keep Kerby Joseph in Detroit Long-Term?
