The Detroit Lions have rewarded one of their best defenders.
Detroit agreed to a four-year, $86 million contract extension with star safety Kerby Joseph, according to multiple reports.
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WATCH HEREThe #Lions and All-Pro S Kerby Joseph reached agreement on a massive new extension to make him the highest paid safety in NFL history, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 23, 2025
He gets a 4-year, $86M deal — $21.5M per year — in contract done by @AgentLouisBing. A big-time star in Detroit cashes in. pic.twitter.com/NWu9nmKolm
Joseph's new deal is set to see him earn $21.5 million per season -- the most in NFL history -- for a Super Bowl-caliber team.
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So, how does Joseph's contract shape up the league's safety market? Here's a look at the highest-paid players in the position:
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Who is the highest-paid safety in NFL history?
The Lions made Kerby Joseph the highest-paid safety in league history with a four-year, $86 million deal -- $21.5 million per year.
Who are the highest-paid safeties in the NFL?
Here is how the top 10 shakes out based on average salary (per Spotrac):
1. Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions: $21.5 million
2. Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $21.025 million
3. Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers: $19.13 million
4. L'Jarius Sneed, Tennessee Titans: $19.1 million
5. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers: $18.4 million
6. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals: $18 million
7. Trevon Moehrig, Carolina Panthers: $17 million
8. Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers: $16.75 million
9. Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons: $16 million
10. Jevon Holland, New York Giants: $15.1 million
