Kicking Carousel Settles: Andre Szmyt to Start Season Opener

The Cleveland Browns have seemingly found their answer to the long-standing kicking woes, at least for now. Rookie Andre Szmyt has been named the starting kicker, ushering in a potential era of kicking stability. This decision followed an impressive preseason performance, earning him the nod over veteran Dustin Hopkins, but the regular season debut proved to be a mixed bag. The Browns are hoping Szmyt can overcome a rocky start and solidify the position.

Szmyt Wins the Job: Preseason Performance

Andre Szmyt’s journey to becoming the Browns’ starting kicker culminated around August 26-27, 2025, after a stellar preseason showing. According to team coverage, Szmyt showcased remarkable accuracy and composure, outperforming veteran competitor Dustin Hopkins. Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone emphasized Szmyt’s consistent performance, stating he “did a nice job since he’s been here, took advantage of every opportunity that we gave him and (we) just made a decision. Felt like it was the right thing to do for our team.”

The former Syracuse standout, a Lou Groza Award winner, capitalized on every chance he received. Szmyt was perfect in the preseason, converting all three of his field goal attempts and his single extra point attempt. His most notable moment came in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams. With the game on the line, Szmyt confidently drilled a 37-yard field goal as time expired, securing the win and solidifying his claim to the starting role. This performance was highlighted in reports from the Chronicle Telegram and Sports Illustrated, underscoring the significance of the clutch kick.

A New Era? Szmyt’s Path to Cleveland

Szmyt’s arrival potentially marks a shift at a position plagued by instability for the Browns in recent years. He initially joined the Browns’ practice squad late in the previous season, later signing a reserve/futures contract in January, paving his way to earning a spot on the 53-man roster for the first time in his NFL career. The Factory of Sadness and Heavy Sports both noted the team’s revolving door at the kicking position, suggesting Szmyt could be the long-term solution the Browns desperately need.

Before landing in Cleveland, Szmyt gained experience in various football leagues. He initially entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2023. In 2024, he showcased his kicking prowess in the UFL, leading the league while playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks, according to Syracuse University Athletics. This journey demonstrates Szmyt’s dedication and perseverance in pursuing his NFL dream.

Reality Check: Season Opener Struggles

The anticipation surrounding Szmyt’s NFL debut reached its peak on September 7, 2025, in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland. However, the game presented a stark contrast to his flawless preseason. While he successfully converted an early extra point and a 45-yard field goal, crucial errors in the latter stages of the game proved costly.

Szmyt missed a critical extra point and a potential go-ahead 36-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining. These missed kicks directly contributed to the Browns’ narrow 17-16 defeat to the Bengals. Immediately, discussions about the stability of the kicking position resurfaced among fans and analysts alike, as observed on Reddit and various sports forums.

Addressing the Missed Kicks

Following the game, Szmyt acknowledged the pressure he felt and attributed the missed kicks to rushing his approach. He expressed his commitment to reviewing the game film and making necessary adjustments to his technique. According to team reports, Head coach Kevin Stefanski initially voiced his support for Szmyt, stating he was not looking to bring in other kickers for tryouts, citing Szmyt’s strong performance throughout training camp. However, the team’s patience may be tested if the struggles continue.

Kicking Stability: A Work in Progress

Andre Szmyt’s story with the Cleveland Browns is still being written. His journey from practice squad member to starting kicker, fueled by a perfect preseason, offered a glimpse of hope for a franchise seeking stability at a crucial position. However, his challenging regular season debut underscores the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with the role. The Browns and their fans are hoping that Szmyt can learn from his mistakes, refine his technique, and ultimately deliver the reliable kicking performance they desperately need to compete in a tough AFC North division. The coming weeks will reveal whether Szmyt can truly seize the opportunity and solidify his place as the Browns’ long-term solution at kicker.