The Lions asked to give the budding superstar a $5 million contract extension

When it comes to Detroit Lions players who took a leap forward in their careers in 2024, safety Kerby Joseph tops their list.

Joseph was undoubtedly an effective safety in his first two years in the NFL and took a step forward in 2023 from his rookie season. However, he took an even bigger leap forward in 2024.

Joseph posted career bests in completion rate against (42.4), passer rating when targeted (39.5) and interceptions (seven). He is also just one pass defended short of matching his personal best of 11.

With Iosif in the middle of an elite campaign, Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut believes giving the budding star safety a contract extension is a move the Lions need to make next offseason.

We certainly could have used Aidan Hutchinson in this spot, but it may not make sense from his agent’s perspective to sign him to a long-term deal months after a season-ending injury. Instead, Kerby Joseph gets the deal. The NFL’s best safety in 2024, Joseph’s All-Pro game and his ability to hold this defense together despite a weakened pass rush warrant a huge contract. Plus, it’s always wise to sign star talent a year early rather than letting them have the threat of testing the open market or being on the franchise tag, which would be the case in 2026.

A third-round pick in 2022, Joseph’s final year four-year, $5 million deal it’s in 2025, so technically the Lions have time to do something. However, it’s entirely possible that Joseph will push the issue past the final year of his deal, as some players do. The Lions have also been eager to work out contract extensions early, as they did last offseason.

Joseph has absolutely earned his right to a lucrative, long-term extension from the Lions, and there’s no doubt that Detroit wants to keep him around for the long haul, as he’s not only a high-impact player, he’s a leader and provides Lions. in addition to his supreme confidence.

On the other hand, Joseph will be very expensive due to his elite numbers overall. The Lions will have to weigh how much they want to invest at safety because Joseph won’t come cheap. In the end, we think Joseph and Detroit are doing something that’s right for both sides.

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