The Cleveland Browns have announced their initial 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season, and one of the biggest surprises is the release of veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins. Hopkins, who joined the Browns through a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers, will be replaced by rookie kicker Andre Szmyt, who is set to kick in his first NFL game in Week 1.
Hopkins’ tenure in Cleveland has been a roller coaster. In 2023, at age 33, he enjoyed a career-best season, converting 33 of 36 field goals, including all eight attempts from 50 yards or more. This performance prompted the Browns to extend his contract ahead of the 2024 season, making him one of the league’s highest-paid kickers.
However, the 2024 season did not go as planned. Hopkins made only 18 of 27 field goals and missed three extra points. Despite the struggles, his contract made it difficult for the team to release him immediately.
This year’s training camp proved challenging, ultimately leading the Browns to part ways with Hopkins. The release carries a significant impact on the team’s salary cap. Cleveland will face nearly $6 million in dead cap space over 2025 and 2026—about $2 million this year and over $3.5 million in 2026. This means the team will absorb a sizable financial hit for a kicker who will no longer be on the roster.
The move marks a dramatic shift from the contract extension that once seemed like a well-invested decision. Andre Szmyt now has the opportunity to step into a key role for the Browns as the 2025 season begins.
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