The Detroit Lions found an absolute steal in the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting safety Kerby Joseph 97th overall in the third round. Since joining the NFL, Joseph has developed into one of the best ball-hawking defensive backs, leading the league with 17 interceptions over the past three seasons. He boasted his best season as a pro, leading the league in interceptions with 83 tackles, nine interceptions, one pick-six, and 12 pass deflections, earning him his first First-Team All-Pro selection during the 2024 season.
The Detroit Lions defensive back is eligible for an extension

Since he has completed his third regular season in the NFL, Kerby Joseph is eligible to negotiate and sign a contract extension immediately, per Article 7, Section 3 (k) (i) of the CBA. Since he has demonstrated his abilities as an elite safety in the league and an important contributor to the Lions’ defense, an extension seems logical for Joseph this offseason before it becomes a potential distraction. The elite All-Pro enters the final year of his rookie contract with a $3.54 million base salary and a $3,787,255 cap hit for 2025.
The Lions are interested in extending their elite All-Pro defender during the 2025 offseason

During Thursday’s press conference, general manager Brad Holmes told the media the Detroit Lions are interested in extending Kerby Joseph, which will be a priority this offseason. Holmes also praised Joseph for being a top safety and being an important contributor to the team’s culture. Here’s what he had to say about the subject matter:
“That’s on the docket, in terms of to be looked at and discussed. We know where he’s at from an eligibility (standpoint). I mean, he’s an All-Pro player,” Holmes said, via Christian Booher of Sports Illustrated. “I don’t know how you don’t make the Pro Bowl with nine interceptions, whatever that is. He’s an All-Pro player, and he’s another one that’s gotten better and better, and he’s another one that’s proven he’s a Detroit Lion. He fits, he fits our culture. It’s hard to find ball-hawk guys that will tackle how he does. I think that’s what makes him unique. Again, we haven’t had intense dialogue about that yet, but obviously we want to keep the good players here.”
Here’s a look at the top five highest-paid safeties based on APY

- Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr.: 4-$84,100,000 ($21,025,000 APY)
- Chargers: Derwin James: 4-$76,000,000 ($19,000,000 APY)
- Steelers: Minkah Fitzpatrick: 4-$72,988,000 ($18,247,000 APY)
- Cardinals: Budda Baker: 3-$54,000,000 ($18,000,000 APY)
- Packers: Xavier McKinney: 4-$67,000,000 ($16,750,000 APY)