Kerby Joseph

Career StatsB+

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		55	20	35	265
2025		6	3	4	18
2024		17	9	12	83
2023		15

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Lions secured a solid value play by locking up Kerby Joseph at $21.5M AAV, earning a B- CVI that reflects smart roster building around a rising defensive talent. Joseph's Pro Bowl-caliber production makes this deal a fair market rate for a safety who's established himself as a legitimate difference-maker in Detroit's secondary, though the price point suggests he's being paid more for potential than proven elite consistency. At just 24 years old, Joseph is entering his prime years, making the four-year term ideal for capturing his peak performance while avoiding the typical safety age cliff that hits around 30. The relatively modest $24.4M in guaranteed money gives Detroit reasonable protection against injury or performance decline, while the $86M total commitment shows they view him as a cornerstone piece of their defensive puzzle. This represents exactly the type of calculated investment contending teams should make — paying above-average starter money for a player with Pro Bowl upside rather than chasing marquee names at premium positions.

Performance Analysis

Kerby Joseph grades as an above-average starter among NFL safeties — an above-average player at the position. His strongest area is interceptions at 0.50 (well above the NFL average of 0.16), ranking as elite for the position. Tackling, at 3.00 compared to an NFL average of 3.85, is where he falls short relative to the position. His production dropped from a A- in 2024 to a B- in 2025.

Current Sentiment

Kerby Joseph enters the 2026 campaign as one of the more productive ball-hawking safeties in the NFC, with 20 career interceptions and a $21.5 million annual salary that reflects Detroit's organizational confidence in his abilities. The dominant narrative surrounding Joseph heading into the new season is injury-related, as multiple reports from the Lions' front office have addressed his health status with cautious optimism, noting he is 'heading in the right direction' and 'getting closer to return.' General manager Brad Holmes has publicly provided updates alongside those on fellow safety Brian Branch, signaling that the Lions view Joseph as a cornerstone piece of their defensive backfield rather than a depth concern. The tone of recent coverage is notably positive rather than alarming, with no reports of setbacks, scheme concerns, or contract disputes clouding his standing within the organization. Fan and media perception remains favorable overall, though the lingering injury uncertainty tempers enthusiasm slightly and prevents Joseph from reaching the elite conversation he might otherwise command given his statistical production.