Browns second-round rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested earlier this month and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. The organization has held off on signing the first-year player as they await clarity on his legal issues, although Browns owner Jimmy Haslam expressed optimism today that Judkins will eventually suit up for his new squad.
While speaking with reporters, Haslam said he’s “cautiously optimistic” that Judkins will ultimately play for the Browns (via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo). This obviously isn’t a ringing endorsement, and Haslam also seems to be implying that the draft pick could never play for the organization. Still, as the owner expressed frustration at his players’ continued domestic-abuse allegations (via Garafolo), it’s notable that he’s more confident than not that Judkins will eventually play.
Following two productive seasons at Ole Miss, Judkins continued producing after transferring to Ohio State for the 2024 campaign. The RB finished last season with 1,221 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns, leading to him being selected with the 36th-overall pick in this year’s draft.
As the Browns navigate a post-Nick Chubb era, Judkins was expected to play a significant role for his new squad. Veteran Jerome Ford is still penciled in atop the depth chart, but Judkins’ absence means the likes of Pierre Strong Jr. or rookie fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson could be thrust into the RB2 role.
Meanwhile, there have been more damning details released surrounding Judkins. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the player’s girlfriend claimed that the July incident wasn’t the first time that Judkins engaged in domestic abuse, although none of those past examples reached “the point of what occurred in this case.”
When Judkins’ legal issues are resolved, he’ll surely be subject to discipline from the league, which will only further delay his NFL debut. At the same time, it sounds like the Browns will also reevaluate their approach to educating players.
“Obviously we’re not communicating as well as we should and we take responsibility for that,” Haslam told reporters (via Garafolo).
Haslam doesn’t know how or when to shut up, does he?
“Obviously we’re not communicating as well as we should and we take responsibility for that,” Haslam told reporters.”
How about just telling them DON’T HIT WOMEN, DUMMIES?
Expressing optimism that the Browns will add an abuser to the roster sure feels like yet another clue that Haslam was the one pushing the Watson acquisition.
As a Browns fan, I will never be convinced that anyone other than Haslam is the one who pushed to acquire Watson. (Not even Andrew Berry; it was allegedly Berry’s idea to offer a fully guaranteed deal but my theory is that Haslam pressured him into doing whatever it took to get him, and that’s the idea he came up with.)
I’m not sure if that’s the common belief outside of Browns fans, but I can’t see any other possible way that it actually happened.
I’m not a Browns fan and I agree completely. It’s the only way that makes sense when you consider trading multiple first round picks to give a wildly unprecedented contract to a guy.
Browns fan here….totally agree. Haslam needs to set the standard and right now! Domestic violence is NOT acceptable and cut ties with Judkins if he’s found guilty as well as Devin Bush … bad enough they kept Mike Hall…I had high hopes for Judkins but if he’s found guilty, I want no part of him on the Browns
Imagine if Haslam was a really bad judge of character and gambled big on troubled players in the past and it ended up backfiring. And then imagine he says this. That would be embarrassing wouldn’t it?