Browns Sign Emergency Kicker After Trading Cade York, but Can Dustin Hopkins Be Ready for Week 1?
The Cleveland Browns have signed kicker Lucas Havrisik, adding depth to their special teams unit. The team announced the move on August 23, a day after trading kicker Cade York to the Washington Commanders for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Havrisik, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound kicker in his second NFL season out of Arizona, brings experience and versatility to the Browns’ roster.
Havrisik initially joined the Indianapolis Colts‘ practice squad in 2022 before appearing in nine games with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023. During his time with the Rams, he connected on 15 of 20 field goal attempts and 19 of 22 PATs. This isn’t Havrisik’s first stint with the Browns—he spent time on Cleveland’s practice squad last season and was part of the team’s offseason roster earlier this year. He will wear No. 39.
This signing comes in the wake of York’s departure and the Browns’ decision to sign kicker Dustin Hopkins to a three-year extension earlier in the offseason. Hopkins, however, is dealing with a minor injury, which led to the Browns seeking a backup option for their final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks on August 24.
Hopkins to Be Ready for Regular Season Opener
According to Zac Jackson of *The Athletic*, Havrisik will serve as the Browns’ emergency kicker during their preseason finale against Seattle. Despite Hopkins’ current injury, head coach Kevin Stefanski assured fans that the veteran kicker would be ready to suit up for the Browns’ Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
“The Browns are signing Lucas Havrisik as their emergency kicker for Saturday night in Seattle,” Jackson tweeted. “Kevin Stefanski said Dustin Hopkins will be healthy and kick in the opener.”
Hopkins is firmly entrenched as the team’s No. 1 kicker after a stellar 2023 campaign. He converted 33 of 36 field goals last season, including four game-winning kicks, and his 33 made field goals set a Browns single-season record. He was thrilled with the three-year extension, emphasizing his commitment to Cleveland.
“I had a whole new feeling pulling in as far as the familiarity from being here last year, but also a place that is like, ‘Hey, this is going to be home for a while now.’ So, it feels great,” Hopkins told Browns staff writer Kelsey Russo.
Hopkins praised the city and its fans, saying, “People from Cleveland have a nice grit to them… It’s a great combination. So, I’m excited.”
Browns Remain Active as Regular Season Approaches
The Browns have been busy throughout August, addressing roster needs with a series of transactions. In addition to the York trade and the signing of Havrisik, Cleveland also brought in center Nick Harris, highlighting their focus on improving depth as the season looms.
With injuries affecting both sides of the ball—especially on the offensive line—the Browns could continue to be active on the market as they look to build on last year’s playoff appearance.
For now, the focus remains on getting through the final preseason matchup healthy, with the regular season opener against the Dallas Cowboys just around the corner on September 8.
