Browns Urged to Seek Replacement at Key Position
Following the Cleveland Browns’ disappointing 35-16 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 11, the team is facing increasing pressure to address a significant weakness: kicker.
Dustin Hopkins struggled mightily in the game, missing three field goals. While only two of the misses officially counted—thanks to a penalty that negated a 32-yard miss—Hopkins’ performance was still concerning. He also missed a 51-yard attempt, which could be seen as excusable, but his shank of a 27-yard field goal was particularly troubling.
With that, Hopkins’ season field-goal percentage has dropped to 70%, as he’s made just 14 of 20 attempts. In light of these struggles, Bleacher Report’s NFL staff is advising the Browns to consider moving on from Hopkins.
“Along with quarterback and left tackle, the Browns should be looking for a new kicker,” Bleacher Report wrote. “After signing a three-year, $15.9 million contract in the offseason, Hopkins has faltered, converting just 77.8% of his kicks. He missed multiple attempts against the Saints, including a 32-yarder nullified by penalty and a subsequent 27-yarder.”
Hopkins had a strong debut season with the Browns last year, making 33 of 36 attempts and going a perfect 8-for-8 on kicks from 50+ yards. Throughout his decade-long career with the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Cleveland, Hopkins has been generally reliable, converting 85.3% of his field goals.
The challenge for Cleveland, however, is that Hopkins is signed through 2027, making it harder to quickly move on from the veteran kicker.
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