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The Cleveland Browns boast one of the NFL's most reliable kickers in Andre Szmyt, but the 28-year-old is currently playing on a one-year contract worth just $1.015 million. On Sunday, October 18, Szmyt further solidified his impressive résumé by drilling a 37-yard field goal as time expired to secure a 13-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens at home.
That kick was Szmyt's second of the day, following a 48-yard make earlier. Quarterback Deshaun Watson led the offense into position to set up the game-winner, a scenario that has become familiar for Szmyt, who has consistently delivered in clutch moments. This season, he has converted 12 of 13 field goal attempts, ranking among the league's most dependable legs.
Now, particularly after Sunday's heroics, the Browns' front office has a prime opportunity to reward the second-year pro. No one is suggesting a blockbuster four-year deal, but a one-year extension would provide security and demonstrate organizational loyalty.
Near Record-Breaking Consistency
Entering Sunday's matchup, Szmyt needed five made field goals to tie the franchise record for consecutive field goals made. He had 24, while Browns legend Phil Dawson held the mark with 29. Szmyt made his first attempt from 48 yards but later missed from the same distance, ending his pursuit of Dawson's record. Nevertheless, with 25 consecutive makes, he now ranks third in Browns history for consecutive field goals made.
Szmyt has been remarkably consistent, and his clutch performances have become routine. Over the past two seasons, he has delivered four game-winning kicks, two of which have come in the last three weeks. Just a few weeks ago, he walked off the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football, giving the Browns a 27-24 win. What sets Szmyt apart is his embrace of high-pressure situations. "No, it doesn't; it's exciting," he said after Sunday's game-winner. "It's a love-hate feeling when you go out there for it. It's obviously a lot of pressure, but that's what we train for; that's what we prepare for. You want to be in those situations, walking it off."
They Haven't Been Able To Find Anyone Else
Beyond Szmyt's individual excellence, the Browns' difficulty in finding a consistent kicker in recent years strengthens the case for an extension. Since Dawson departed before the 2013 season, the team has cycled through numerous kickers. In the 2022 NFL Draft, the front office even used a fourth-round pick on a kicker, but that experiment did not pan out. Now, Cleveland appears to have finally found a long-term solution. Why risk losing him in free agency? While the Browns have been frugal in recent years, largely due to the financial commitment following the Watson trade, it seems unlikely they would overlook Szmyt's impact over the past two seasons.
The Browns and Szmyt will return to action on Sunday, October 25, as they travel to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans at 1:00 p.m. EST, aiming to climb the AFC North standings.