Lions Kerby Joseph now highest paid safety in NFL history

His 4-year, $86 milion extension locks him up through 2029

Lions S Kerby Joseph

ALLEN PARK — Kerby Joseph’s smile was brighter than the bling he was wearing on Thursday night. Perhaps it was because the ink was still drying on the 4-year, $85 million contract extension.

The deal makes him the highest paid safety in NFL history.

“To see this happen is amazing,’’ Joseph said.

Joseph, the Lions third-round draft pick in 2022,  finished the 2024 season with a career and league-leading nine interceptions. The 24-year-old has more picks than anyone in the NFL since he entered the league in 2022.

“It’s everything to me. I feel like it strives toward my goal of one day putting on a gold jacket so I feel this is a huge step, huge, huge milestone in my career and in my life,’’ Joseph said. “… I feel so blessed.’’

While he’s thrilled with the money he said that is not what motivates him.

“I really play this game because I love it,’’ Joseph said.  “I have a certain passion for the game.’’

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Author: Paula Pasche

Paula Pasche, a veteran sports writer, covers the Detroit Lions for her Lions Lowdown blog. She has written two books, "Game of My Life Detroit Lions" and "100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" which are available at bookstores and on Amazon.com. She won first place for column writing from the Society of Professional Journalists in Detroit (Class B) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and was The Oakland Press 2010 Staffer of the Year.

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