Sitting at the Meijer Performance Center with his new contract in front of him, Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph took a moment to reflect on how his extension, once just a possibility, had now become a reality.
“I took a breath and realized, ‘Okay, this is it,’” Joseph shared on Thursday.
Joseph inked a four-year extension with the Lions, securing his place in Detroit through the 2029 season. The 2022 third-round pick (97th overall) now joins a growing list of players who have received multi-year extensions under general manager Brad Holmes, following Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and Alim McNeill. “It’s a sense of security,” Joseph explained. “Brad does a great job of keeping his guys. Maintaining that culture and locker room is a huge factor.”
With Joseph and Brian Branch forming one of the NFL’s top safety tandems, Detroit’s defense is in strong hands. Joseph led the league with nine interceptions in 2024, including a pick-six against Green Bay, earning First Team All-Pro honors — the first Lions safety to achieve this since Yale Lary in 1962.
Joseph acknowledged that while he always believed an extension was possible, it became more certain after the season when discussions with the team began in earnest.
“He fits our culture,” Holmes said in January. “He’s unique with his ability to create turnovers and tackle. We want to keep the good players here, and he’s proven to be a Detroit Lion.”
Though the Lions lost a couple of players in free agency, their secondary remains strong, with Joseph, Branch, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and the newly signed DJ Reed leading the charge. Reed has already expressed how playing alongside Joseph and Branch will elevate his game.
Joseph’s impressive stats in 2024 — nine interceptions, 83 tackles, 12 passes defended, and more — cemented his place among the NFL’s elite. He’s the first safety since Ed Reed to record at least four interceptions in his first three seasons.
For Joseph, this extension is just another stepping stone in his pursuit of greatness. “I’ve got the mentality to always outdo myself,” he said. “I want more interceptions, more tackles, and even sacks. It’s all about pushing myself to beat my personal records.”
His ultimate goals? Winning a Super Bowl and earning a spot in the Hall of Fame. “I want to be the best,” Joseph said. “The gold jacket and a Super Bowl would be the perfect combination. That’s everything I’ve worked for.”
With his future in Detroit secure, Joseph is determined to continue building his legacy. “It’s only up from here,” he declared. “I’ll never stop.”
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