The Cleveland Browns have secured Dustin Hopkins as their kicker for the upcoming seasons by signing him to a lucrative three-year contract extension. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal is worth $15.9 million, averaging $5.3 million per year, which places him among the top-paid kickers in the NFL.
Hopkins, who was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2013, has had stints with the Washington Commanders and the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Browns in 2023. In his first season with Cleveland, he set a franchise record by making 33 of his 36 field goal attempts, including a career-long 58-yarder. He also achieved an impressive feat by making a 50-yard field goal or longer in five consecutive games, setting an NFL record.
With this new contract, Hopkins now ranks among the top five highest-paid kickers in the league, behind Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens and Jake Elliott of the Philadelphia Eagles, who each earn $6 million per season. Matt Gay of the Indianapolis Colts and Graham Gano of the New York Giants also slightly edge out Hopkins in terms of salary.
The Browns had a successful season last year, finishing with an 11-6 record and making the playoffs for only the second time in the past two decades. They excelled in close games, going 5-0 in matchups decided by a field goal. Despite missing the final two regular-season games and the playoff loss due to a hamstring injury, Hopkins is expected to make a full recovery in time for the upcoming season.
Overall, the extension of Dustin Hopkins’ contract not only solidifies the Browns’ kicking game but also demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive team for the future. With Hopkins’ accuracy and strong leg, Cleveland can rely on him to deliver crucial points in tight games, further bolstering their chances of success in the upcoming season.