Detroit Lions Set to Make a Big Move – A Potential Extension for All-Pro Safety Kerby Joseph Looms

The Countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft

With just days left until the 2025 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions are gearing up for an exciting few days of scouting and decisions. While the attention is on the draft picks, the Lions could be focusing on something big before the draft even begins: a contract extension for All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph. After an incredible 2024 season, the anticipation surrounding Joseph’s potential new deal is palpable. The extension could be announced at any moment, and it may come as early as the day before the draft—just like the big moves the Lions made last year with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell.

Kerby Joseph’s Breakout Season

Kerby Joseph’s performance in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. Leading the league in interceptions is an impressive feat on its own, but Joseph’s success came not from luck, but from his sheer anticipation and football IQ. Much like a basketball player studying the ball’s trajectory to grab a rebound, Joseph’s ability to read the game and put himself in the right place at the right time was unmatched. He didn’t just stumble upon his interceptions—he baited quarterbacks and made them believe he was vulnerable, only to make game-changing plays.

Joseph’s development as a player shows that his 2024 performance was no fluke. His ability to anticipate plays and consistently be in the right spot proves that he’s poised for multiple All-Pro seasons. The Lions’ front office must recognize that they have a generational talent on their hands, one who could dominate the safety position for years to come.

The Case for a Big Contract Extension

As much as the Lions are focused on the draft, they can’t overlook the value that Kerby Joseph brings to the table. If they want to secure his future in Detroit, a contract extension is the logical next step. After working closely with cap expert Joshua Queipo, a projected deal for Joseph has been put together: a four-year, $82 million contract with $46 million guaranteed and $40 million fully guaranteed. This would make Joseph the second-highest-paid safety in the NFL, trailing only Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Should other top safeties like Kyle Hamilton sign their new deals, Joseph’s contract could look like quite the bargain.

While some may argue that Joseph deserves to be the highest-paid safety in the league, it’s important to note that Hamilton and Winfield Jr. have established themselves as elite players over several seasons. Joseph, however, is just entering his prime, and it’s not out of the question that he will eventually surpass both of them in the future. But for now, this proposed contract will lock him in with the Lions through 2028, when he will still be young enough to earn another deal, potentially even bigger than this one.

The Lions’ Safety Room Could Be a Major Asset

While Joseph’s future in Detroit looks bright, he’s not the only star safety on the roster. Brian Branch, who has also been a standout player, is another top-tier safety who will be up for an extension after the 2025 season. There’s a very real possibility that the Lions will have $160 million tied up in their safety room relatively soon. Both Joseph and Branch have been pivotal to Detroit’s defense, and it’s clear that the team values the position highly.

Looking Ahead to a Strong Safety Duo

The potential to have two elite safeties locked down for years to come is a huge win for the Lions. With Joseph and Branch in place, Detroit could have one of the most formidable defensive backfields in the league. This combination would not only provide stability but also create a competitive advantage as the team looks to compete for championships in the coming seasons.

What’s Next for Kerby Joseph and the Lions?

As we inch closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, all eyes are on the Detroit Lions and their plans for the future. The team is in a position to solidify their defense for years, with Joseph at the heart of that strategy. While the draft may be the next big event on the horizon, it’s clear that locking up their top players, like Joseph, is just as important for the Lions’ long-term success. A big contract extension is on the horizon, and it would be a fitting reward for Joseph’s breakout season. The Lions have built a strong defensive foundation, and with Joseph leading the way, they could be primed for years of success.