CLEVELAND, OH — The Cleveland Browns and kicker Dustin Hopkins have reached an agreement on a three-year, $15.9 million extension, according to multiple reports on Monday. This new deal ensures Hopkins will remain with the Browns through the 2027 season, solidifying his place as a key player for the team’s special teams unit.
The extension, which averages $5.3 million per year, positions Hopkins among the highest-paid kickers in the NFL, tying him for fifth with Ka’imi Fairbairn of the Houston Texans. This significant financial commitment underscores the Browns’ confidence in Hopkins’ abilities and their desire to maintain stability in their kicking game.
In 2024, Hopkins is set to earn a base salary of $2.875 million, which is the final season of the three-year contract he initially signed in 2022. This seamless transition into the new extension reflects the Browns’ strategic approach to retaining their top talent without disrupting their salary cap planning.
Hopkins, 33, delivered an outstanding performance last season, making 33 of 36 field-goal attempts, which translates to a career-best 91.7 percent success rate. His reliability was particularly evident in long-distance situations, as he made all eight of his attempts from 50 or more yards. Hopkins’ stellar season saw him accumulate 123 points, further emphasizing his critical role in the Browns’ scoring efforts.
The Browns acquired Hopkins shortly before the start of the 2023 season from the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. This acquisition proved to be a shrewd move, as Hopkins’ performance has solidified the Browns’ kicking game.
Over his nine-season NFL career, Hopkins has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable kickers. He has made 223 of 260 field-goal attempts, achieving an 85.8 percent success rate. Additionally, he has successfully converted 245 of 260 extra point attempts, translating to a 94.2 percent success rate. In total, Hopkins has scored 914 points across 124 career games, playing for Washington (2015-21), Los Angeles (2021-22), and Cleveland.
Securing Hopkins through the 2027 season provides the Browns with stability and reliability in their special teams unit, a critical component for any team with championship aspirations. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset as the Browns look to build on their recent successes and aim for deeper playoff runs.
With Dustin Hopkins locked in for the foreseeable future, the Browns can now focus on other areas of their roster with the assurance that their kicking game is in capable hands. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Hopkins continues to contribute to the Browns’ success in the coming seasons. This extension not only reflects Hopkins’ past achievements but also sets the stage for what promises to be a productive and impactful tenure in Cleveland.