Story by
'This is going to be home for a while now': Dustin Hopkins officially extended by Browns
- Story by
- 'This is going to be home for a while now': Dustin Hopkins officially extended by Browns
BEREA — Dustin Hopkins was an outsider to the city of Cleveland when he arrived in a trade from the Los Angeles Chargers last August.
It didn't take long for the new Browns placekicker , though, to make himself at home.
Advertisement
Now, 11 months later, Cleveland will be Hopkins' home until at least 2027. The Browns officially announced Wednesday a new three-year, $15.9 million extension for the kicker, which had been previously reported on Monday .
"I had a whole new feeling pulling in as far as the familiarity from being here last year, but also a place that is like, 'Hey, this is this is going to be home for a while now.' So, it feels great," Hopkins said in a release from the team. "I've been telling other people that have not interacted with people from Cleveland haven't been here, first and foremost, how great all the people I've interacted with have been — not just in the building, but even outside in the city. Just like a good hard-working people group that are kind and friendly, but also have a nice grit to them. I think it's a great combination. So, I'm excited."
Hopkins, 33, finally answered the Browns' decade-long kicking question that had existed since Phil Dawson departed Cleveland in 2013. That was even though he was a late addition to the roster, as he was acquired from the Chargers last Aug. 28 for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Cleveland Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (5) places a crown on the head of place kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) after Hopkins kicked the game-winning field goal Nov. 12, 2023, against the Ravens in Baltimore.
Over the first 14 games of the season, Hopkins set single-season franchise records for field goals made (33) and 50-yard-plus field goals made (eight). He was 33 of 36 on field goal tries, including 8 of 8 from 50 yards or longer, and 24 of 26 on point-after kicks.
Advertisement
"When we traded for Dustin at the end of last year's training camp it was with the intent of stabilizing our ability to produce in high leverage kicking situations," general manager Andrew Berry said in a release. "He was not only able to accomplish this goal in the most difficult kicking environment in the NFL, but also quickly endeared himself to our locker room through his work ethic, team-orientation and relatability. We're pleased to have Dustin and his family — Gabby, Wake and Wiley — in Cleveland for the next several seasons."
Hopkins won back-to-back AFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards. Those came in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers (4 of 5 on field goals; go-ahead field goal with 1:40 remaining) and in Week 7 at the Indianapolis Colts (4 of 4 field goals; three field goals of at least 54 yards).
Four times, Hopkins kicked go-ahead field goals in the final two minutes. Three of those came in the final 32 seconds: a 40-yarder as time expired in Week 9 at Baltimore, a 34-yarder with two seconds left in Week 10 against Pittsburgh and a 34-yarder with 32 seconds left in Week 15 against Chicago.
Advertisement
Hopkins suffered a left hamstring tear while trying to tackle Houston Texans kick returner Dameon Pierce on what ended up being a touchdown return during a Week 16 win at Houston. He missed the remainder of the season.
"I think one aspect ... of a verse that comes to mind is, 'He works to the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose,'" Hopkins said in the release. "And I think all the ups and downs, they're all working toward my good. And I don't just mean contractually now that it's all kind of a combination. That's a part of the story. But it's more through career trials, they are all helping to shape and mold me. I'm thankful for those moments, the hardships and successes."
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Dustin Hopkins officially signs 3-year extension with Browns
