By Solomon 
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph is getting a nice bonus—nearly $1 million in extra cash—thanks to the NFL’s performance-based pay system. This program rewards players who play a lot but are on lower salaries, and Joseph definitely fits the bill.
In 2024, he racked up nine interceptions, earned All-Pro honors, and was on the field for almost 1,200 plays across 17 games. Despite that, his total salary (including base pay, signing bonus, and workout bonus) was around $1.38 million. The NFL uses a formula to determine how much extra money players get, based on their playing time compared to their earnings. Each team has a set pool of money for performance-based pay, and the bonuses don’t count against the salary cap.
Joseph’s $996,253 payout is the sixth-highest in the league this year. The top five include linebacker Jamien Sherwood and cornerbacks Jaylon Jones and Michael Jackson, plus offensive tackles Daniel Faalele and Matt Pryor. He was also the only Lions player to make the top 25 list.
Looking ahead, Joseph is eligible for a contract extension, and his value is skyrocketing. The top five highest-paid safeties in the league currently average about $18.7 million per year, but with his playmaking skills, Joseph could surpass that. The Lions will also have to think about fellow safety Brian Branch, who’s up for an extension next offseason. The duo combined for 192 tackles, 28 pass breakups, and 13 interceptions last year, making them one of the best safety pairings in the league.
Lions GM Brad Holmes acknowledged that Joseph’s contract situation is on their radar, calling him a “Detroit Lion” through and through. He praised Joseph’s ability to make plays while also being a tough tackler, saying players like him are hard to find. While contract talks haven’t gotten serious yet, it’s clear the Lions want to keep him around.