York, who went 4 of 8 on field-goal tries and appeared to lose confidence with every kick this preseason, will be waived on Tuesday when NFL teams are required to trim their rosters to 53, said the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not finalized all its cuts.
With the Sept. 10 season opener quickly approaching, the Browns sent a seventh-round pick in 2025 to the Chargers for Hopkins, who was available after losing a training camp competition with Cameron Dicker.
York’s release came two days after another poor preseason game.
The 22-year-old was almost perfect in practice, but he struggled in games. After returning from a shin injury in the first quarter when he missed an extra point, York made a couple of kicks but had a potential game-winning field goal blocked in the final minute in a 33-32 loss Saturday in Kansas City.
York expressed his frustration afterward, when he also snapped at a reporter’s question.
The Browns did everything they could to make it work with the talented York, who was inconsistent in a rookie season after being drafted in the fourth round in 2022 from LSU.
Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski had professed confidence in York throughout camp, but his tone changed on Sunday when he wouldn’t commit to him being the starter in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Browns were forced to explore other options before landing the 32-year-old Hopkins, who was available after he was beaten out this summer by Dicker. The Chargers signed Dicker last season after Hopkins got hurt.
Dicker had the better training camp and exhibition season, allowing the Chargers to recoup another draft pick from a team needing a kicker.
The Browns were borderline desperate because of York’s struggles and Hopkins at least gives them a proven kicker to start the season. Hopkins spent seven years with Washington and the past two in Los Angeles.
He played in six games last season before suffering a season-ending right quadriceps injury during a Monday night game against Denver on Oct. 17. Despite the injury, Hopkins made four field goals, including a game-winning, 39-yarder in overtime.
“From the day he arrived here, Dustin has been the consummate professional and a teammate anyone would love to have,” Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said. “He’s made some big-time contributions to our organization, both on and off the field, and perhaps none more memorable than his game-winning kick last year on Monday night.”
