Eric WoodyardApr 23, 2025, 07:12 PM ET
- Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: "Wasted," "Ethan's Talent Search" and "All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story". He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan.
The Detroit Lions have agreed to a four-year, $86 million extension with All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday.
The deal makes Joseph the highest-paid safety in NFL history with an average of $21.5 million per year. That surpasses the $21 million deal for Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr.; the $19.1 million deal for Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. ranks third.
Joseph will be entering his fourth season in the league after the Lions selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft.
He led the NFL with nine interceptions last season, tied for the most by any Lions player of the last 50 years (Jimmy Allen also had nine in 1981). That included a pick-six in a 24-14 win at Green Bay on Nov. 3. He also was third on the team with 83 tackles.
Joseph led the NFL in passer rating allowed in coverage last season. He also allowed the third-lowest completion percentage, according to Next Gen Stats.
Joseph was one of four Lions to receive first-team All-Pro honors, along with receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, punter Jack Fox and right tackle Penei Sewell. Detroit's four selections tied the 1991 Lions for the most in franchise history since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger.
Joseph, an Orlando, Florida, native, has recorded at least four interceptions in each of his first three seasons at safety, which hasn't happened since Hall of Famer Ed Reed from 2002-04.
Information from ESPN Research was used in this report.
