By Sunday 
The Lions may have pulled off the best bargain in football.
In an NFL world where big money usually comes with big headaches, the Detroit Lions might’ve just pulled off a masterclass in financial finesse. When they handed Kerby Joseph an $86 million extension earlier this year, it looked like a bold investment in one of the league’s rising defensive stars.
But as it turns out — it’s not just bold. It’s brilliant.
A Star on the Rise
Let’s rewind. Drafted in the third round in 2022, Joseph wasn’t exactly a household name. But all it took was one breakout rookie season for Lions fans — and opposing quarterbacks — to learn his name real quick. His knack for reading plays, snagging interceptions, and popping up in the right place at the right time made him a standout from day one.
By 2024? Certified All-Pro.
He racked up nine interceptions, 83 tackles, and a 91.0 PFF grade — best among all NFL safeties. He even made franchise history, becoming the first Lions safety to haul in nine picks in a season and the first player since 1949 to tally interceptions in seven of the first ten games.
So yeah — the man is a problem. For offenses, that is.
$86M That’s Actually… a Steal?
So when the Lions locked him down through 2029, fans applauded. And analysts? They raised their eyebrows — in a good way. Especially ESPN’s Dan Graziano, who dubbed the contract the most team-friendly deal for a safety in the NFL.
Sure, it sounds like a massive payday: $86 million, $21.25M per year. But peel back the numbers and you’ll see the Lions built-in escape hatches and cap relief all over this deal.
For example:
- Only $36.1M is fully guaranteed
- If the Lions want out after 2026? They’d only have paid $24.4M
- Big back-end numbers like $26M in 2029 aren’t guaranteed, so Detroit holds the reins
It’s like signing an All-Pro… on layaway.
Why It Matters
This kind of deal lets Detroit:
- Keep their defensive leader
- Save cap space for future extensions (Hutchinson, LaPorta, Gibbs — you’re next)
- Build long-term without financial shackles
And let’s not overlook the intangibles: Joseph is just 24, he’s already a locker room leader, and he plays like a seasoned vet with an All-Madden awareness rating.
In other words, the Lions didn’t just sign a safety. They secured a culture cornerstone.
Whether you care about salary cap nuances or not, one thing’s clear: Kerby Joseph is here to stay, and the Lions are better for it — on the field, and on the books.