According to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday night, Kicker Dustin Hopkins has agreed to a new contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Hopkins played a key role for Cleveland last season after being traded from the Los Angeles Chargers. The extension will keep him with the Browns through the 2027 season, although the contract has yet to be signed, the person said anonymously.
ESPN.com was the first to report the agreement, noting that Hopkins will now be among the NFL’s highest-paid kickers.
Last season, the 33-year-old Hopkins successfully converted 33 of 36 field goals and 24 of 26 extra points for the Browns, who acquired him for a seventh-round pick in 2025.
However, Hopkins missed the playoffs due to a serious hamstring injury sustained while attempting to tackle a returner in Week 16 against Houston.
He excelled in long-range kicks, going a perfect 8 for 8 on attempts from 50 yards or more.
Before joining the Chargers in 2021, Hopkins spent seven seasons with Washington. Throughout his career, he has made 223 of 260 field-goal attempts, boasting an 85.8% success rate.
The Browns pursued Hopkins following issues with kicker Cade York during the preseason. York, initially drafted by Cleveland in the fourth round of 2022, returned to the team in March on a one-year contract.
