With many safeties set to hit the market in the next year, Detroit might want to strike a deal with Branch right after the 2025 campaign wraps.

Rohan Chakravarthi has been covering NFL content for SB Nation since 2022.

The Detroit Lions may boast the league’s top safety duo in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, both of whom delivered standout 2024 seasons.

Joseph topped the NFL with nine interceptions and also posted 83 tackles and 12 pass deflections, earning a First-Team All-Pro nod.

Branch followed up his strong rookie year with 109 tackles, eight for loss, four picks, and 16 breakups, leading to his first Pro Bowl honor.

These two are part of GM Brad Holmes’ draft success story, and they’ve become vital pillars of Detroit’s revitalized defense.

Joseph secured a massive payday this offseason—inking a four-year, $86 million extension that made him the league’s highest-paid safety. However, Branch might top that soon.

Drafted in the second round in 2023, Branch will be eligible for a new contract after this season and could be the next franchise piece locked down long term.

What might Branch’s next contract entail?

Joseph’s deal broke records with its four-year, $86 million total, slightly surpassing Antoine Winfield Jr.’s four-year, $84 million contract with the Buccaneers.

The Lions structured Joseph’s extension with four void years and multiple option bonuses, but most of the deal’s value is frontloaded and guaranteed in the first three years.

Winfield’s pact included $45 million guaranteed at signing and averaged $21.025 million per year, raising the top of the safety market significantly. Before that, Derwin James held the top spot with four years, $76.3 million.

There haven’t been many recent deals in that ballpark. Budda Baker got a three-year, $54 million deal tacked onto a prior year worth around $15 million.

Also notable: Xavier McKinney landed a four-year, $67 million deal with Green Bay, while Javon Holland secured three years and $45.3 million with the Giants.

If Branch keeps trending upward and earns All-Pro buzz in 2025, he could command the highest safety salary by next year.

However, a few key players could reshape the market. Kyle Hamilton may receive a blockbuster extension in 2025 or possibly sooner.

Although there’s no urgency, Hamilton’s next deal could reset the bar, especially if he delivers another elite season.

Other top safeties like Jessie Bates, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derwin James, and Brandon Jones will also be due for new contracts in 2026.

The Lions’ timing will be critical—waiting too long could mean paying more, especially with another rising star to consider. Will Detroit double down at a non-premium position or play it safe?

If the Lions decide to extend Branch after 2025 and he continues on his current path, expect a deal in the $22 million-per-year range. Guarantees will be key, but Detroit has shown flexibility with void years and bonuses.