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Lions Prepare to Make Safety Brian Branch Highest-Paid in NFL History
2 Aug
Summary
- Lions extend Kerby Joseph for 4 years, $86M
- Projected 4-year, $88M extension for Brian Branch
- Branch's annual value to surpass current highest-paid safety Joseph
As of August 2, 2025, the Detroit Lions have made significant moves to solidify their defensive backfield. Last offseason, the team rewarded safety Kerby Joseph with a 4-year, $86 million extension. Now, the Lions are poised to take their investment in the secondary to new heights by making Brian Branch the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
According to reports, the Lions are expected to sign Branch to a 4-year, $88 million contract next offseason. This deal would surpass the current record held by his teammate Joseph, who averages $21.5 million per year. Branch's projected annual value of $22 million would cement his status as the league's top-paid safety.
Through his first two seasons, Branch has emerged as a star on Detroit's defense. The 23-year-old recorded 3 interceptions as a rookie in 2023 and added 4 more in 2024, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Branch's well-rounded skillset, including elite coverage and run-stopping abilities, has made him an invaluable asset to the Lions.
If Branch continues his upward trajectory in 2025, the former second-round pick out of Alabama will be in line for a historic payday. The Lions have shown they are willing to invest heavily in their defensive backfield, and Branch appears poised to become the latest beneficiary of the team's commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.
