The Browns began their season with a 17-16 loss to the Bengals. Dropped passes were a key factor in the game, but so too were missed kicks. 
During his regular season debut, Andre Szmyt connected on one field goal attempt and one extra point. However, he also missed an extra point in the third quarter before what would have been a go-ahead field goal (from 36 yards out) late in the game wound up off target. As is the case with other teams around the league, questions have been raised about competition being brought in for the Browns.
For now, at least, that will not be taking place in Cleveland. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked after the game about Szmyt, who enjoyed a strong preseason. He said the 26-year-old is not in danger of being replaced after Sunday’s poor performance.
“I’m not there,” Stefanski said (via Pro Football Talk’s Myles Simmons) when asked about competition being brought in this week. “You know, points are at premium obviously. So that’s frustrating. Andre’s had a really good camp. He’s done a nice job for us. So I’m not there.”
Dustin Hopkins had a stellar debut campaign with the Browns in 2023, connecting on 33 of 36 field goal tries (including all eight attempts from 50 yards and beyond). Last year, however, the veteran struggled from a number of distances, making just 18 of his 27 attempts. Hopkins was replaced for Week 13 in 2024 before ultimately being released as part of Cleveland’s roster cuts following training camp.
That move confirmed Szmyt’s status as Cleveland’s preferred kicking option. The former UDFA certainly did not make the best of first impressions with the Browns, but based on Stefanski’s comments he is not in danger of being replaced early in the campaign.
The fact this dude has won 2 APCOTY awards is a joke and makes the award useless
Brian Daboll says hi.
They weren’t clueless enough to give Daboll more than 1. They gave Stefanski 2 lol.
The Browns clearly outplayed the Bengals but turnovers kill all the positives that occur in a game. The Falcons kicker choked badly at the end of their game.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’d think that points being at a premium would be a good reason for having a kicker who can perform well under “games that count” circumstances.
It’s not just you.
Can they ask Deshaun to reach out to Justin Tucker?….
They can massage each others egos.
No kickers have been accused of abuse so they don’t have many options yet. They’ll keep a close eye on arrest records for anyone arrested for kicking
A K is no different than any other player. They are going to have bad days. Give the kid a chance to fix whatever the issue is.
Normally only a kicker with a proven track record would get the benefit of the doubt if in a slump. The Browns won’t be a playoff contender no matter who they have as a kicker so they can show some patience here.
Lots of atrocious kicking yesterday. This one has to hurt. It’s what happens when you go cheap on kickers. BUF kicker made the game winner after flying in on a red eye flight.
I hope the Bills gave a game ball to Ed Oliver. He was a menace and forced the crucial turnover that made the comeback possible.