What Is Kerby Joseph’s Salary? All About NFL Safety’s Contract, Endorsements, Earnings and More

In a league where quarterbacks dominate the paychecks and headlines, defensive players often have to claw twice as hard for half the spotlight. But every once in a while, someone flips the script. This offseason, as the NFL world was still catching its breath from the Cincinnati Bengals’ blockbuster Ja’Marr Chase’s $161 million extension and the Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett’s record-setting raise, the Detroit Lions made their move—one that sent ripples across the league.

On April 23, the Lions handed safety Kerby Joseph a blockbuster deal that not only raised eyebrows—it reset the entire safety market. The Lions and Joseph signed a four-year, $86 million contract extension. That means his AAV will be $21.5 million. By signing the $86 million contract, Joseph broke Antoine Winfield Jr‘s record of the highest ever paid safety in the NFL. The Buccaneers‘ safety had signed an $84.1 million contract in 2024.

The deal includes $52.5 million in guaranteed money, as per initial insider reports, a substantial leap from Joseph’s rookie contract. His cap hit for the 2025 season is expected to be restructured, with signing bonus provisions that allow Detroit some flexibility as they aim for a deeper playoff run next year.

This is a meteoric rise for Joseph, who was selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft (No. 97 overall). Over just three seasons, Joseph emerged as a cornerstone in Detroit’s secondary, known for his range, instincts, and knack for clutch turnovers—especially against high-profile QBs like Aaron Rodgers.

In 2024, Joseph had arguably his best season yet, recording:

98 total tackles

4 interceptions

2 forced fumbles

11 passes defended

From a third-round pick to the highest-paid safety in NFL history, Kerby Joseph’s story is one of quiet dominance and steady growth. Now backed by a massive deal and an even bigger role in Detroit’s resurgence, the Florida native is ready to lead the Lions into a new era. And with his off-field presence growing as well, it’s safe to say—Kerby Joseph isn’t just building a legacy on the field, but a business off it, too.

Wanna know more about Kerby Joseph’s endorsements and earnings? Stay tuned, this is a developing story.

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