NFL interceptions leader lands massive new contract extension

One top NFL defender is being rewarded handsomely for his elite 2024 season.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Wednesday that the Detroit Lions have agreed to an enormous new contract with star safety Kerby Joseph. They are giving Joseph a four-year, $86 million extension, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.

Joseph, a third-round pick by Detroit in 2022, is just 24 years old but has already emerged as a cornerstone of the Lions defense. He was a First Team All-Pro last season and led the NFL with nine interceptions. Also capable of playing both safety positions, Joseph tacked on 83 combined tackles (third on the team) and 12 passes defended (second on the team) last season.

Originally set to make $3.6 million next season in the final year of his rookie contract, Joseph is now getting a gargantuan increase in pay. He will be making $21.5 million per year under his new extension, which now runs through the 2028 NFL season.

There is little doubt that the former Illinois star Joseph is worth the major commitment from the Lions. In addition to his statistical exploits, Joseph appeared in all 17 games in 2024 and is regarded as one of the hardest hitters in the league right now (though Joseph has been accused multiple times of dirty plays).

With Joseph officially locked in for the long-term, the Lions’ attention will now likely turn to fellow young defensive stud Aidan Hutchinson, who is also 24. Hutchinson is looking completely recovered from his Oct. 2024 broken leg and should be next in line for an extension from Detroit.