The Detroit Lions continue to lock up core franchise pieces with top-of-market deals.
Safety Kerby Joseph agreed to a four-year, $86 million contract extension on Wednesday that will make him the highest-paid safety in NFL history, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Joseph's $21.5 million annual salary and his $86 million total value each exceed the previous highs of Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. at $84.1 million and $21.025 million per year.
Joseph was set to make $3.621 million in base salary this season in the final year of his rookie contract.
Joseph, 24, emerged as one of the top young safeties in the NFL last season, recording a league-best nine interceptions en route to first-team All-Pro honors (though he surprisingly was left off the NFC Pro Bowl roster).
"I feel like I'm the best (safety in the NFL)," Joseph told The Jim Rome Show this offseason. "And I'm always going to strive to continue to be the best."
Joseph is now paid the best, becoming the latest player to receive a big-money extension in the Motor City.
Last offseason, the Lions handed out massive deals to quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell.
This year, the focus appears to be on the defensive side of the ball as pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson is also eligible for an extension.