What an unforgettable season it has been for Kerby Joseph. The third-year safety has firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s elite defenders. Leading the league with an impressive nine interceptions, Joseph has become a nightmare for quarterbacks, allowing a mere 43.9% completion rate on passes thrown his way. His dominance on the field has earned him the distinction of being the second-highest graded safety according to Pro Football Focus, and he also led all free safeties in Pro Bowl votes from fans.

Yet, shockingly, this stellar performance wasn’t enough to secure him a spot on the 2024 Pro Bowl roster. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Joseph was left off the initial ballot—a snub that is both perplexing and costly for the young star.

Why This Pro Bowl Snub Matters

For many fans, the Pro Bowl can feel like little more than a glorified exhibition game, particularly for players whose teams are deep in playoff contention. In Joseph’s case, with the Detroit Lions potentially headed to the Super Bowl, he might not have been able to participate in the Pro Bowl anyway. But the impact of this omission goes far beyond missing a game—it has significant financial implications.

Joseph’s exclusion from the Pro Bowl ballot means he loses the opportunity to earn a substantial salary increase in 2025, thanks to a mechanism in the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement called the Proven Performance Escalator (PPE).

Understanding the Proven Performance Escalator

The PPE is designed to reward late-round draft picks and second-rounders who exceed expectations during their rookie contracts. It has three levels, with progressively larger pay raises:

1. Level 1: For players who participate in a certain percentage of snaps (60% for second-rounders, 35% for later-round picks) in two of their first three seasons or average those percentages over three years.
   • New Salary: Base salary increases modestly.
2. Level 2: For players who participate in 55% or more of the team’s offensive/defensive snaps in each of their first three seasons.
   • New Salary: Original draft round RFA tender amount + $250,000.
3. Level 3: For players who are named to the Pro Bowl as original selections in any of their first three seasons.
   • New Salary: Amount of the second-round RFA tender, projected to be $5.217 million in 2025.

Joseph had already qualified for Level 2, which guaranteed him a slight pay bump in 2025. However, if he had made the Pro Bowl, he would have jumped to Level 3, raising his salary from $1.357 million to a significant $5.217 million. This Pro Bowl snub has effectively cost Joseph $3.86 million.

A Season Worthy of Recognition

Despite this setback, Joseph’s performance in 2024 speaks for itself. As one of the league’s premier playmakers in the secondary, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional ball skills, instinct, and discipline. His league-leading nine interceptions are more than just a statistic—they are game-changing plays that have anchored the Lions’ defense and propelled the team to new heights.

Joseph’s ability to limit completions and dominate in coverage makes him a cornerstone of Detroit’s defense. He has also earned widespread respect from analysts, fans, and teammates alike. Yet, his omission from the Pro Bowl ballot highlights the sometimes arbitrary and flawed nature of the selection process.

A Bright Future Despite the Snub

The good news for Kerby Joseph is that his future remains incredibly bright. Reports suggest that the Detroit Lions are preparing to offer him a lucrative contract extension this offseason, potentially making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. Such a deal would not only reflect his value to the team but also ensure his financial security for years to come.

While missing out on a Level 3 PPE bump is unfortunate, it’s unlikely to dampen the momentum of Joseph’s career. His standout 2024 season has solidified his reputation as one of the best safeties in the game, and his contributions to the Lions’ playoff push cannot be overstated.

Conclusion: A Snub That Stings

Kerby Joseph’s exclusion from the Pro Bowl is a glaring oversight that underscores the imperfections of the NFL’s accolade system. For Joseph, the snub is more than just a slight—it’s a missed financial opportunity worth millions. However, it’s also a testament to the respect he has earned on the field that such an omission feels so unjust.

As Joseph looks ahead, the sting of this snub will likely serve as motivation. Whether it’s through a massive extension with the Lions or continued dominance on the field, one thing is certain: Kerby Joseph’s star is still on the rise, and the best chapters of his career are yet to be written. For now, Lions fans can only hope this Pro Bowl snub fuels their star safety to even greater heights as they pursue a Super Bowl title.