The Cleveland Browns have made a change in their kicker position just before the start of the season. They have acquired Dustin Hopkins from the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. This decision comes after struggles by Cade York, who was the Browns' kicker and was drafted in the fourth round in 2022. The team plans to waive York following the acquisition of Hopkins.
York initially made a strong impression, hitting a 58-yard game-winning field goal in his rookie debut against the Carolina Panthers. However, he encountered difficulties afterward, including missed attempts during the preseason. He missed two game-winning attempts in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles and had a potential game-winning field goal blocked in a preseason loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. His inconsistency raised questions about his readiness for the upcoming season.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski declined to confirm whether York would remain the team's kicker, saying that roster decisions are discussed internally.
Dustin Hopkins, 32, brings experience to the Browns' kicking game. He has a career field goal success rate of 84.8%, having made 224 field goals in his career. He was successful on 9 of 10 field goal attempts over five games for the Chargers last season. Additionally, he has a strong conversion rate for point-after attempts, making 94.4% of his 234 career attempts.
Hopkins had been competing for the Chargers' kicking job during training camp, competing with Cameron Dicker. The Browns' decision to acquire Hopkins provides them with a more experienced option in the kicking position.