Quinshon Judkins‘ off-field situation continues to cloud his NFL career, even after a recent resolution. But the second-round Browns draftee is moving toward an early-season debut.
The Browns agreed to terms with the running back on a fully guaranteed rookie contract Saturday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports. Judkins is not expected to play this week but could see his debut come in Week 2, Rapoport adds. He will fly to Cleveland to sign his deal this afternoon, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who confirms the former Ohio State and Ole Miss back’s debut date is not yet known.
Chosen 36th overall, Judkins was ticketed for a fully guaranteed contract based on where the line of demarcation for such deals settled back in July. Tyler Shough receiving a fully guaranteed Saints deal — as the No. 40 overall choice — always pointed to Judkins securing such terms. But charges of battery and domestic violence led to this process dragging to the eve of Week 1.
Even with prosecutors deciding not to move forward with this case, cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot notes the NFL is still conducting an investigation — one that could lead to a suspension under the personal conduct policy.
Cleveland is expected to receive a temporary roster exemption for Judkins, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero. This can last up to two games. Judkins, 21, has not practiced since the Browns’ offseason program. Needing a ramp-up period before being deemed ready to play, Judkins may well be sidelined beyond Week 2. But this agreement puts an early-season debut in play while also finalizing the 2025 rookie class’ contracts. It is an $11.4MM slot deal.
Suspensions typically void guarantees, which led to the Judkins contractual slowdown. That remains a matter to monitor, but the Browns may have inserted language — as they did with Deshaun Watson — to protect the rookie RB in the event of a ban. For the time being, Jerome Ford and fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson will be expected to lead Cleveland’s backfield. But Judkins will have a say soon.
One of the impact transfers for the Buckeyes last season, Judkins heard his name called before teammate TreVeyon Henderson. The Browns chose Judkins two spots before the Patriots drafted Henderson. While the latter has received far more buzz ahead of his rookie season, Judkins drew extensive interest during the draft runup — after a college career that included three 1,000-yard rushing seasons in three years. He amassed 1,567 rushing yards and 16 TDs as a true freshman, and after leading the SEC with 15 rushing scores a year later, the former high-end recruit formed a 1,000-1,000 duo with Henderson in Columbus.
The Browns bid farewell to longtime backfield stalwart Nick Chubb this offseason, letting the former Pro Bowler walk in free agency. Chubb joined the Texans, who are expected to give the former Browns second-rounder a key role in light of Joe Mixon landing on the reserve/NFI list. Cleveland has Ford — Chubb’s primary fill-in over the past two seasons — under contract for one more year. Judkins and Sampson, however, represent longer-term solutions in being contracted through 2028.
Of all the people to get a fully guaranteed deal. Yeesh.
At least the woman will get whatever money she was promised now I hope.
Legality and morality aside, this is a real good win for the players union. Guaranteed contracts for second round picks are starting to tick up, I believe this is #7 or 8 this year
Every 2nd round pick next year, that isn’t in some sort of off the field issue, can say “this guy got fully guaranteed after an investigation”. You gave him guaranteed, i won’t sign without the full guarantee.
When will they learn?
A fully guaranteed deal for this meathead? Cleveland gonna keep on doing Cleveland things. I used to be a fan of the franchise but Haslem has ended that.
We can thank the Texans for starting these fully guaranteed contracts for 2nd rounders…Browns hopefully have language in Judkins contract to punish him financially WHEN he gets in trouble again……
Houston didn’t give that contract to a guy who was still unsigned when the season started due to assault allegations.
I wonder how many of these “assaults” are money grabs. In other words,” He gonna be rich, so let’s see what he’ll pay to keep me quiet.” How is the athlete supposed to prove he or she is innocent? I would hate to be a famous athlete in today’s society because they have a big target on their back from the get-go.
Imagine how much you would hate being a woman assaulted by an athlete and having huge numbers of people assume the worst about you if you actually report it.
Domestic violence against women and children is a huge issue and most victims never report it out of fear and when they do report it, the justice system does little to nothing about it….
Well Judkins already had money thanks to the NIL but he admitted to punching her in the mouth claiming self defense….
Seems pretty easy to keep your circle close and not associate with people willing to do that. I don’t know there’s a lot of guys who don’t have these problems, maybe the problem is the guys like Judkins are too stupid to be careful.
You’re worried about something that, statistically speaking, almost never happens. Also, I think if you were a famous athlete, I think you’d find a way to not ‘hate’ it.
Well my Browns obviously didn’t learn from the Watson contract…hopefully they inserted language to punish him financially when he gets in trouble again…
They also gave Isaiah Bond a lot of guaranteed money for a UDFA.
Yes they did and I don’t like that deal either
Oh I know where you stand on all this and you have my sympathy
This reminds me of Joe Mixon when he came out of the draft.
Great lesson taught.
I don’t understand why the Browns might get a roster exemption. Im not being snarky – what is the criteria?
Let the good times roll.