The Cleveland Browns have on-field issues and salary cap issues. In many ways, these two things overlap in many ways. QB Deshaun Watson has failed miserably, but his contract makes it difficult for the Browns to move on from him, no matter what many think.

Last year K Dustin Hopkins was a great find by GM Andrew Berry. In exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2025, Cleveland’s kicker hit 33 of 36 field goals, including going eight for eight on long ones of more than 50 yards.

Berry signed Hopkins to a three-year extension this offseason, putting him near the top of the highest-paid kickers in the league.

Like most things for the Browns in 2024, Hopkins has fallen apart this year, including missing three field goals in the first half against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11. Before the battle against the Saints, Hopkins had already missed four field goals this year , including three of more than 50 meters.

While fans were quick to call for the kicker’s release, his contract makes that unlikely.

Waiving Hopkins, assuming he goes unclaimed, would more than double his salary cap space this year and cost a dead cap hit next year. Releasing Hopkins this offseason before June 1 would do the same, with his salary cap hit increasing from $2.8 million to $5.67 million.

A release after the June 1 offseason would increase his cap charge by $684,000 in 2025 and add about $2 million in dead cap in 2026.

Like Watson, Hopkins’ contract makes it unlikely he will be released despite his struggles.