The Cleveland Browns have made a significant move to address their kicking struggles by trading for Dustin Hopkins from the Los Angeles Chargers and planning to waive Cade York. The Browns' kicking issues have persisted since the departure of Phil Dawson in 2012, and despite attempts to solve the problem, they have struggled to find a reliable kicker.
Former general manager John Dorsey drafted Austin Seibert in 2019 to address the kicking situation, but Seibert's struggles led to his release. Last year, current general manager Andrew Berry used a fourth-round pick to select Cade York, who initially showed promise by making a game-winning 58-yard field goal. However, York's performance declined over the season, and his inconsistency raised concerns.
York's struggles continued during the preseason, where he missed multiple potential game-winning kicks, including one against the Kansas City Chiefs. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski initially stood by York, but after another missed opportunity, the team decided to make a change.
The Browns' recent moves reflect their commitment to winning now, as they've invested in significant roster upgrades to compete at a high level this season. Giving up on a draft pick like York after just one season might be tough, but the team's focus is on maximizing their chances of success in a highly competitive AFC and AFC North division. The decision to trade for the experienced Dustin Hopkins underscores the urgency to address the kicking situation and ensure that every aspect of the team is performing at its best during a critical season.