Kirby Joseph is currently the highest salary safety in NFL history.
The Lions star has agreed to a four-year, $86 million contract extension. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday.
Joseph headed into the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, earning a base salary of $3.621 billion.
The 24-year-old is currently earning an annual salary of $21.5 million.
Total and annual values surpassed previous records for the position set by Buccaneers Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. in April last year, marking a $84.1 million deal.
Joseph was Illinois’ third pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and has evolved into a large part of the franchise’s renaissance of the past few years.
He recorded 247 tackles, 31 passes splits and 17 intercepts in his three years in the NFL.
Joseph had the best season of his short career last year, having the NFL’s best nine interceptions, 12 pass breakups and 83 tackles.
He concluded an impressive year with an all-pro nod from his first team.
The Lions are prioritizing priorities rewarding key players with new contracts, including handing over quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell News in their offseason.
Joseph doesn’t lack the confidence of an NFL star player and he said “certainly” he is the safest in the league Appearance on “The Jim Rome Show” Early this offseason.
“I feel like I’m the best,” Joseph said. “And I’m going to try and keep myself the best.”
