Outcast by Washington, kicker Dustin Hopkins has found a home for the foreseeable future. Hopkins signed a three-year extension with the Los Angeles Chargers Tuesday.
Hopkins spent nearly seven seasons with Washington. However, his struggles during the 2020 seasons carried over into 2021. Two missed extra points and two missed field goals in six games led to his release in October.
He landed back on his feet with the Chargers. In 11 games, Hopkins made 18-of-20 field goals and 30 of 32 extra points with Los Angeles.
Hopkins will make $9 million over the next three seasons, according to Spotrac. He’s guaranteed $3.52 million upon signing. On the third day of the 2023 league year, he’s fully guaranteed an additional $2.23 million.
Consistently good kicking is a premium in the NFL. For whatever reasons, Washington felt Hopkins couldn’t right the ship and cut him loose. He’s bounced back quite well.
Meanwhile, the kicker Washington initially replaced Hopkins for, Chris Blewitt, lasted two games before he was released after making just one of his four field goal attempts. Washington used two additional kickers in 2021.
Joey Slye played six games making all six of his field goal attempts and 9 of 10 extra points. However, a hamstring injury opened the door for Brian Johnson. Johnson played three games and made each of his two field goal attempts.
Washington tendered Johnson and Slye is expected back. The two will likely compete for the kicker in training camp for next season. Either way, 2022 will be the first time since 2014 Dustin Hopkins won’t start the season as Washington’s kicker.
