Before this season, it had been quite some time that the Cleveland Browns had a dependable kicker for the entirety of a season.
There are still four games left in the regular season and Dustin Hopkins is the new franchise record holder for field goals made in a season. His 31 made field goals passed former fan favorite Phil Dawson’s 30 makes in 2008.
Heading into the season, It was thought that Cade York was going to be the kicker in Cleveland. York had a wonky preseason and the Browns traded a seventh-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for Hopkins after cutting York.
That move has paid off in a big way and it has proven to be one of the biggest moves Cleveland made for the 2023 season.
Currently, Hopkins is 30-of-33 on field goals. Hopkins is 7-for-7 on kicks from more than 50 yards. The record-breaking kick came on a 55-yard field goal that clinched the win for the Browns over the Jaguars in Week 14.
Hopkins is having his best season as a pro, he’s had some pretty good years in his nine-season career.
No one had Hopkins breaking the team record for field goals made on their bingo card heading into the season. His execution has been terrific all year and Cleveland has to be glad they made that trade.
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