Cleveland Browns trade for kicker Dustin Hopkins, cut Cade York following preseason struggles

The Cleveland Browns are looking to upgrade their special teams. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the team traded a seventh-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft to land Los Angeles Chargers kicker Dustin Hopkins. It also means the team decided to cut Cade York.

York struggled throughout the preseason, forcing Cleveland to make a change. So, Hopkins comes to the team in hopes of improving that aspect of the game.

Trade: Browns traded a 2025 7th-round pick to the Chargers for kicker Dustin Hopkins, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 28, 2023

York attempted eight field goals during the preseason in Cleveland’s four games. He connected on just four of those attempts and missed a game-winning try in the preseason finale against Kansas City.

Hopkins enters his 11th year in the NFL. He’s connected on 190 of his 224 field goal attempts.

Cade York was entering his second season with Browns

There’s very little margin for error in the NFL. York learned that the hard way after a rough preseason run. Clearly, the Browns didn’t think they could trust the second-year player when the regular season got underway.

York converted 24-of-32 field goal tries for the Browns during the 2022 campaign. He posted a long of 58 yards and also handled kickoff duties for Cleveland.

The Browns welcome in Hopkins, an experienced veteran in the NFL.

Hopkins started his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills in 2013 then had a two-year run with the New Orleans Saints (2014-15). The former Florida State kicker spent a bulk of his career with the Washington Commanders, suiting up in DC from 2015-21.

He spent the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Last year, Hopkins attempted just 10 field goals, connecting on nine. He was also successful on all 12 of his PAT tries for the Chargers. In his two seasons in L.A., he drilled 27-of-30 field goal attempts and 42-of-44 extra points.

Cade York refuses to doubt himself despite struggles

Although he endured some struggles, York remains confident in his abilities. He said as much following the loss to Kansas City.

“To be honest, people gave me pats on the back and crap like that, but I hate pity,” York said, via the Akron Beacon Journal. “Pity pisses me off. I want to be a weapon. I know how good I am. That’s been the most frustrating thing the last month, struggling with that. So, the real games start soon. Just trying to take a running start into the season and just start putting them through all the time.”