-
Jake Trotter, ESPN Staff Writer
BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are fully committed to winning this season, which is why they made the decision not to continue with Cade York as their kicker.
On Monday, the Browns made a trade for Dustin Hopkins, a 32-year-old kicker with experience, to fill the position. Cleveland traded a seventh-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for Hopkins, with plans to waive York, according to a source from ESPN.
The decision to replace York was not solely based on acquiring Hopkins, but rather on York’s inability to consistently convert kicks. The Browns have been struggling in the kicking department since Phil Dawson’s departure in 2012.
In an attempt to solve the problem, former Browns general manager John Dorsey drafted Austin Seibert in the fifth round in 2019. However, Seibert struggled and was released by the new Browns regime after missing all of his field goal and extra point attempts in the 2020 season opener.
General manager Andrew Berry then turned to York, using a fourth-round pick on him last year. York showed promise initially with a game-winning 58-yard field goal, but his performance throughout the season was disappointing, with a conversion rate of only 75% on field goals.
In the preseason, doubts began to arise about York’s ability to be the long-term solution for the Browns. Despite missing game-winning attempts in a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the team continued to support York publicly.
However, after York missed another game-winning attempt against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Kevin Stefanski’s tone changed. He refused to confirm whether York would start the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, indicating a possible change.
This change in tone foreshadowed the decision to trade for Hopkins and move on from York.
The Browns have made significant moves in recent years to position themselves as contenders, including trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson. The team is fully invested in winning now and couldn’t afford to rely on a kicker they no longer believed in.
While giving up on a fourth-round draft pick after just one season may sting, the Browns recognize the importance of having a reliable kicker in a highly competitive AFC North division.
The acquisition of Dustin Hopkins reflects the Browns’ commitment to their season and their willingness to make the necessary changes to succeed.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
