It didn’t take Browns general manager Andrew Berry to admit his mistake after taking Cade York in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. York had the leg talent to get it done, but he couldn’t figure out the mental aspect and just wasn’t good enough for a playoff-contending team.
Berry then traded for a proven veteran in Dustin Hopkins. Hopkins had one of the best seasons of his career and was critical to the team’s run last year. Early this week, the team made him one of the highest-paid kickers in the league.
Hopkins spoke about staying long-term and how he loves the people in Cleveland, not just in the building but in the city, too.
“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 this is going to be home for a while now.’ So, it feels great. I’ve been telling other people that have not interacted with people from Cleveland haven’t been here, first and foremost, how great all the people I’ve interacted with have been – not just in the building, but even outside in the city. Just like a good hard working people group that are kind and friendly, but also have a nice grit to them. I think it’s a great combination. So, I’m excited.”