Alan Kornspan
Believeland Media
The Cleveland Browns reported on Wednesday that they signed kicker Dustin Hopkins to a 15.9 million, 3-year contract extension.
Leading up to his contract extension, Hopkins had a very successful 2023 season.
After signing Hopkins, Cleveland Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry talked about the contract extension.
"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,” said Berry.
“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."
The 33 year old Hopkins, who played collegiately at Florida State University, was 33 for 36 on field goal attempts during the 2023 season for the Browns. In addition, Hopkins converted 24 of 26 extra point attempts.
Hopkins was especially successful on field goals attempted from over 50 yards.
On field goals over 50 yards, Hopkins was 8 for 8 and even connected from 58 yards away.
Along with the place kicking duties for the Browns, Hopkins was also the Kickoff Specialist. During the 2023 season, Hopkins kicked off 77 times leading to 50 touchbacks (64% touchback percentage).
Hopkins has spent 10 years in the NFL. His first seven were with Washington.
He then also spent two years with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Cleveland Browns for the 2023 season.
For his career, Hopkins field goal percentage is 85.8% (223-260) and his extra point percentage is 94.2% (245-260).
After signing the contract extension, Hopkins expressed his appreciation for the Cleveland Browns organization.
“After being here, it’s the best run organization I’ve been a part of, top to bottom,” said Hopkins.
“As far as everybody in this building feels like they’re pulling in the same direction, like and we’re all working toward a common goal. From ownership to whatever level, you want to choose, it feels like everybody’s willing to do whatever it takes to try to bring the city a winning team. And so, I’ve always felt like the entire organization respects everyone in the building. And that’s kind of rare, that everybody treats each other with a lot of respect just as humans. I’ve always felt like I’ve been treated as a person first year, which makes all the difference in the world when you’re coming into work.”
Hopkins and the rest of the Cleveland Browns will begin training camp on July 25th. Just like last year, the Browns will begin training camp in Greenbier, West Virginia. The Browns then return to Berea for their first practice in front of Browns fans on Sunday, August 4th.
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