Lions are making Kerby Joseph NFL's highest-paid safety with 4-year extension

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Allen Park — The Detroit Lions made it clear they wanted to sign safety Kerby Joseph to an extension this offseason. On Wednesday, they got it done, reaching an agreement on a new four-year deal with the All-Pro.

According to the NFL Network, the deal is worth $86 million, making Joseph the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL. The $21.5-million average edges out the four-year, $84.1 million deal Antoine Winfield signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year.

The terms of Joseph's extension were identical to those outlined in our projection published last month.

A third-round draft pick in 2022, Joseph immediately demonstrated his playmaking ability after he entered the starting lineup, replacing an injured Tracy Walker.

Joseph recorded four interceptions and two forced fumbles in 14 starts that year, then followed it up with another four interceptions in 2023. Last year, he took his game to another level, pacing the league with nine interceptions while making notable improvements as a run defender and tackler.

At his season-ending press conference, general manager Brad Holmes made it clear that retaining Joseph was a priority.

"He's an All-Pro player and he's been — he's another one that's gotten better and better," Holmes said. "So he's one that has proven that he's a Detroit Lion. He fits. He fits our culture. It's hard to find ballhawk guys that will tackle like how he does, and I think that's what makes him unique. So again, we haven't had any intense dialogue about that yet, but obviously we want to keep the good players here."

The Joseph extension is the latest in a series of big-money deals the team has awarded its foundational group of talent. Last year, the team reached long-term agreements with quarterback Jared Goff, offensive tackle Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, offensive tackle Taylor Decker and running back David Montgomery.

The team is also working toward locking up defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who has the potential to earn the largest contract for a non-quarterback in NFL history.