Lions poised to make safety Brian Branch the NFL's highest-paid in historic contract extension

The Detroit Lions recently extended safety Kerby Joseph with a four-year, $86 million contract, demonstrating their commitment to their defensive stars. Building on this momentum, analysts anticipate the team will similarly reward their other standout safety, Brian Branch. Rohan Chakravarthi of Pride of Detroit predicts that next offseason, the Lions will sign Branch to an unprecedented four-year deal valued at $88 million, including $42.5 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history. Currently, Joseph holds the record for the highest annual salary among safeties at $21.5 million. Chakravarthi's projection suggests Branch's average annual compensation could reach $22 million, reflecting his rising performance and importance to the team. Branch, aged 23 and a former Alabama standout, has established himself as a key player in Detroit's defense over two seasons. His stats include three interceptions in his rookie year and four in 2024, along with a first Pro Bowl appearance and 109 tackles last season. His skills in coverage and run defense are highly regarded; in 2024, he allowed a passer rating of just 72.3 when targeted and achieved a run-defense grade o...