By Mummy Grace 
Behind Branch and Joseph, Lions Have a Roster Fight Brewing
The Detroit Lions head into the summer with one of the NFL’s most promising safety duos in Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Branch made his first Pro Bowl in 2024, and Joseph earned First-Team All-Pro honors—clear proof this tandem is elite. But behind them? Things get a little murky.
With Ifeatu Melifonwu heading to Miami in free agency, the Lions suddenly find themselves with five players competing for what looks like a single depth spot in the secondary. And according to those close to the team, it’s shaping up to be a “highly competitive” fight.
Detroit has invested in talent across the board on defense, but they’re also making it clear: no job is guaranteed outside of the core starters. Whoever earns that depth safety role will need to show they can contribute right away—whether on special teams or as a dependable backup who can step in without a drop-off.
With training camp around the corner, this will be one of the key roster battles to watch. And if this staff has shown anything under Dan Campbell, it’s that the best man really will win, no matter where they were drafted—or if they were drafted at all.
One thing’s for sure: behind Branch and Joseph, nothing is set in stone.