The Cleveland Browns have officially signed former Syracuse standout kicker Andre Szmyt, giving the 26-year-old another shot at securing a spot in the NFL. Szmyt, who will turn 27 in September, joins the Browns following a flurry of roster moves that saw Cleveland release defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo to free up a roster spot .
Szmyt initially broke into the professional ranks after a stellar collegiate career at Syracuse. He earned recognition in 2018 as the first freshman in Orange history to receive the prestigious Lou Groza Award, honoring the nation’s top placekicker, and was named a unanimous All-American . During his freshman season, he delivered an impressive 30-for-34 success rate on field-goal attempts and successfully converted all 61 extra-point tries . Despite being undrafted in 2023, Szmyt seized an opportunity with the Chicago Bears as a free agent.
When his NFL journey hit a snag, Szmyt took his talents to the United Football League, where he became the UFL’s field goals leader in 2024 with the St. Louis Battlehawks—highlighting his resilience and knack for performing under pressure . These strong showings earned him a spot on the Browns’ practice squad in December 2024, followed by a reserve/future contract in January 2025 .
In a corresponding move, Cleveland released veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins on June 26 to make space on the roster, signaling Szmyt’s opportunity to compete for the starting role . The one-year deal reportedly comes with a value of $840,000, further showing the Browns’ commitment to giving Szmyt a fair shot .
Szmyt’s return to the Browns marks a full-circle moment. He was waived earlier this month but re-signed following Okoronkwo’s departure—an indication that Cleveland views Szmyt as a promising fit for their special teams unit . With the veteran Hopkins no longer on the roster, Szmyt now has a clear runway to prove himself.
At Syracuse, Szmyt was renowned for his calm under pressure and booming leg. Now, as he enters what marks his first true NFL season, he’ll have to bring that same confidence and precision to the Browns’ kicking unit. If he can carry the momentum from his UFL success into training camp and beyond, Szmyt could solidify himself as Cleveland’s long-term answer at kicker.
This signing not only underscores the Browns’ strategic commitment to strengthening special teams, but also highlights Szmyt’s unwavering determination to continue his professional football journey. His story—from college legend to UFL standout to NFL hopeful—serves as a testament to his perseverance and ambiti
on.
