Kerby Joseph, the Detroit Lions’ safety, has earned a significant bonus for his outstanding performance in the 2024 season. He received a performance-based pay distribution of $996,253, which is the sixth-highest performance bonus in the league.
Joseph’s impressive season was highlighted by his league-leading nine interceptions, 83 tackles, and 12 passes defended. He was named an NFL 1st-Team All-Pro, but surprisingly snubbed from the Pro Bowl.
The performance-based pay is a system introduced in the 2002 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). This program provides additional financial compensation to players on lower contracts who contribute significantly by playing a large number of snaps.
Joseph’s contract details are as follows:
- Contract Value: $5,044,904
- Average Annual Salary (APY): $1,261,226
- Signing Bonus: $849,020
- Guaranteed Money: $849,020
- 2025 Salary Cap Charge: $3,868,255
- 2025 Cash Payout: $3,656,000
The Lions’ general manager, Brad Holmes, has expressed interest in making Joseph the highest-paid safety in the NFL, with a potential contract extension worth over $23 million per year.