Quinshon Judkins

Browns Activate RB Quinshon Judkins For Week 2

The Browns have activated rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, setting him up to make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Ravens.

Judkins was arrested in July on charges of battery and domestic violence that were later dropped. The NFL is still investigating the incident, but for now, Judkins is eligible to play. He was a full-time participant in practice with the Browns on Thursday and Friday this week and will likely have a limited role this week, if he sees the field, as he gets up to speed with the offense.

Judkins’ arrest initially led to significant uncertainty regarding his future. At the time, the No. 36 pick had yet to officially sign with the Browns as second-rounders around the league were holding out for fully guaranteed rookie deals. The two sides agreed to put contract talks aside as Judkins’ legal issues played out, but he finally put pen to paper the day before Cleveland’s regular season opener.

Judkins met with the NFL representatives on Wednesday in New York before returning to Cleveland. He’s on the Browns’ roster as a standard roster exemption at the moment, making him eligible to play as the league opted not to put him on paid leave via placement on the commissioner’s exempt list.

Before the Ohio State rookie’s legal troubles began, the Browns’ offensive backfield looked to feature the veteran leadership of a 40-year-old Joe Flacco juxtaposed heavily against a healthy dose of youth with two rookie rushers. Though Jerome Ford returned as the incumbent starter, having finished each of the past two seasons as Cleveland’s leading rusher, Judkins and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson looked too talented to be kept off the field early. The added fact that Ford was asked to take a pay cut in the days immediately following the draft seemed to hint at a decreased role for the 26-year-old.

With Judkins unavailable, though, the Browns leaned on Ford’s experience to open the season. While Sampson got the start, Ford played a slightly heavier snap count with 41 snaps to Sampson’s 33. In terms of production, though, Sampson dominated out of the backfield. Neither back saw much success running the ball, but Sampson’s 12 carries for 29 yards were slightly more effective than Ford’s six carries for eight yards. In the passing game, Sampson caught all eight targets from Flacco for 64 yards, while Ford’s only target resulted in a three-yard loss.

The gameplan isn’t likely to be too different against the Ravens tomorrow. Especially after watching Baltimore’s defense give up a league-worst 389 yards through the air in Week 1, Cleveland may attempt to let Flacco cut it loose in his old home stadium, which would mean a lot of checkdowns and screens for Sampson. Moving past Week 2, though, Judkins could find a lot of success working alongside Sampson, considering he’s more than used to sharing a backfield from his time at Ole Miss and Ohio State.

In their running styles, Judkins and Sampson seem like a perfect fit. Judkins runs with more of a decisive, one-cut style, attempting to get to his top speed by the time he hits the second-level defender. He’s not afraid of lowering the shoulder for contact with his strength and balance, making him difficult to bring down. Sampson plays with a bit more quickness and agility, finding his desired angle and cutting with speed. He certainly fights for every yard, but rather than lowering the boom, he’s more effective when he’s using small cuts and shakes to avoid getting hit head-on to eke out a couple more yards. Neither back was much of a receiver in college, but Sampson has clearly picked up that role quickly.

While it remains to be seen just how ready Judkins is for NFL play, just how much the Browns will be willing to utilize him, even just how long they’ll be waiting to hear on potential punishments levied by the league, tomorrow could be the start of something exciting for the Browns offense. It’s a lofty measuring stick, but visions of a 2020 Nick ChubbKareem Hunt duo don’t feel entirely out of reach for the two rookies’ ceilings together. While expectations for contention this year aren’t plentiful in Cleveland, if Sampson and Judkins can establish a strong rushing game for the Browns moving forward, the team’s two 2026 first-round picks could be instrumental in initiating a quick rebuild on the road back to the playoffs.

In order to make room for Judkins on the active roster, the Browns waived wide receiver Gage Larvadain.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Quinshon Judkins Meets With NFL; Browns RB’s Week 2 Status Uncertain

SEPTEMBER 11: In the wake of Judkins’ meeting with the league, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com notes there is no timeline on a decision regarding discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. She also confirms Judkins will practice today, so he will be in position to play in Week 2 if allowed to do so by the league.

SEPTEMBER 10: As expectedQuinshon Judkins is meeting with the NFL today. The Browns’ running back recently signed his rookie contract, paving the way for him to play in the regular season.

Judkins did not suit up for Week 1, which came as little surprise. The second-rounder could be available on Sunday, although it remains to be seen if that will be the case. Judkins’ criminal case came to an end with charges not being pursued, but an NFL investigation into his domestic battery allegations continued after that point.

A move to the commissioner’s exempt list is unlikely, but league discipline could still result from the NFL’s investigation. Today’s in-person meeting with Judkins (h/t ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi) will be key in determining how things will play out on that front. The 21-year-old is currently in the fold via a roster exemption which will expire after Week 2.

Judkins is expected to return to the Browns for practice tomorrow, per Oyefusi. The Ole Miss and Ohio State product missed all of training camp and the preseason as he remained unsigned, something which could lead to a reduced workload whenever he does first see the field. Nevertheless, the departure of Nick Chubb in free agency allowed for a committee approach to be used in Cleveland’s backfield. Jerome Ford received six carries in Week 1, while fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson handled twice as many attempts.

Judkins will be expected to handle a role alongside those two when he is cleared for game action. On Sunday, the Browns will play the Ravens in a contest of 0-1 teams. How today’s meeting plays out will no doubt go a long way in dictating if he is able to make his debut at that time.

Browns, Round 2 RB Quinshon Judkins Agree To Fully Guaranteed Deal

SEPTEMBER 7: In an update on this matter, Schefter reports Judkins will meet with the NFL this week as part of the league’s investigation. However, Cabot says Judkins is not expected to be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, and one source tells Schefter it is likely Judkins will make his professional debut against the Ravens in Week 2.

SEPTEMBER 6: 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.

NFL Discipline For Browns RB Quinshon Judkins, WR Isaiah Bond Not Imminent; Judkins Remains Unsigned

Although there are no longer any criminal charges pending against Browns rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond or rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, both players remain subject to NFL discipline. The same is true for veteran linebacker Devin Bush, whose simple assault/harassment charges are still pending and who has a jury trial scheduled for December 2.

Unless Bush is able to reach a deal with prosecutors well in advance of his trial date, any league discipline likely will be delayed until 2026. Since Bond and Judkins are in the clear from a criminal standpoint, the NFL could make a decision on them at any time.

However, it appears no such decision is imminent. Per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, league spokesman Brian McCarthy has no update on the matter, so the status of the two rookies remains in limbo for the time being.

Judkins, a second-round pick, was drafted with the expectation that he would compete for a significant workload right away, as only Jerome Ford was penciled in above him on the depth chart. His misdemeanor domestic battery charge threw a wrench in the works, and although prosecutors decided over two weeks ago that they would not move forward with the case, Judkins remains unsigned.

In a recent appearance on PFT Live, Cabot discussed the possible reasons for the delay (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk). Now that a handful of second-rounders selected after Judkins have received fully-guaranteed rookie contracts, it could be that the Browns do not want to go that route for Judkins in light of the circumstances. 

Default language could also be an issue. Typically, suspensions void all remaining guarantees on a contract, and Judkins may well receive a suspension stemming from the recent domestic battery allegations. As such, he may be trying to convince the team to exclude that particular incident from the default provisions in his deal.

All of that is just speculation, as Cabot acknowledges the reason for Judkins’ unsigned status is unclear. She did say the former Ole Miss and Ohio State standout is not considering a return to college football (NCAA rules technically prevent that, but Florio believes Judkins could win a legal challenge on that front). 

Bond was a legitimate Day 2 prospect whose draft stock was tanked by his sexual assault charges. After a grand jury declined to indict him, he quickly caught on with the Browns, and he offers intriguing upside in a WR room that has plenty of question marks behind Jerry Jeudy

Still, given the issues surrounding Judkins and Bush, and in light of the backlash the team faced after acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson several years ago, there were members of the organization who were uncomfortable with signing Bond, according to Albert Breer of SI.com. While the team’s top decision-makers clearly felt the risk was worth the reward, the fact that there was apparently some pushback is notable.

Browns RB Quinshon Judkins Will Not Face Charges

Quinshon Judkins will be available to the Browns as planned in 2025. The rookie running back will not face charges following investigations into allegations of domestic violence, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports.

An arrest took place in Florida one month ago on charges of battery and domestic violence. The counts in question were a first-degree misdemeanor and led to investigations on the part of the Browns themselves and the NFL. Prosecutors will not move forward with the case, however, allowing Judkins to join the team soon. The league’s probe into the matter will continue, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo notes.

Schultz notes Judkins should be back in the fold shortly. The 21-year-old is the last unsigned member of this year’s draft class, with attention being focused on his criminal proceedings. As of late July, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was “cautiously optimistic” as resolution would take place allowing for Judkins to suit up. Given today’s update, that should indeed be the case once his rookie deal gets signed.

Judkins did not report to training camp with his legal situation still unclear at the time. The Ohio State product was alleged by his girlfriend to have struck her with a closed fist in the chin/lip area on July 7; a police report was filed after the accuser initially hesitated to bring forward the allegations, leading to the July 12 arrest. Judkins was later accused by the same woman of other domestic violence incidents, but none of them produced legal ramifications.

With new precedents being set regarding guaranteed compensation for second-round rookies, Judkins should manage to sign his contract in short order. This year’s 36th overall pick will spend the remainder of training camp and the preseason in preparation for the first season since 2017 in which the Browns do not have Nick Chubb in their backfield. A notable workload could await Judkins as a result.

Cleveland has Jerome Ford and fellow returnee Pierre Strong in place at the running back spot. The team also selected Dylan Sampson in the fourth round of the draft. Judkins – who helped the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024 after a strong two-year run at Ole Miss – should be able to carve out a role amongst that group once he is back with the team. He should be available for the full campaign with his legal situation in the rearview.

Jimmy Haslam “Cautiously Optimistic” That Quinshon Judkins Will Play For Browns

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).

NFL Legal Notes: Browns, Rice, Ruggs

In keeping with her prior update on first-year running back Quinshon Judkins, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com confirmed Judkins did not report to training camp with the rest of the Browns’ rookies on Friday. Veterans are due to report on Tuesday, with the first full-squad practice scheduled for Wednesday.

Judkins, a second-round pick, was expected to compete for a significant workload right away, as only Jerome Ford was penciled in above him on the depth chart. Judkins may still see a great deal of action in 2025, but a misdemeanor domestic battery charge has put his NFL career on hold. For now, Cleveland wants Judkins to focus on resolving his legal issues, and it sounds as if the team will not sign him to his rookie contract until that happens.

And, when the legal matter is resolved, Judkins could face discipline from the NFL. Until then, players like fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson and holdover Pierre Strong will get more reps.

Let’s take a look at a few more legal matters impacting players around the league:

  • As expected, Browns LB Devin Bush was arraigned on charges of simple assault and harassment on Friday, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. After making 16 appearances (10 starts) in his first year in Cleveland in 2024, Bush re-signed with the club on a one-year pact in March. Although the addition of Carson Schwesinger in this year’s draft will eat into Bush’s playing time, the former first-round pick of the Steelers should remain involved in at least a rotational capacity. He will have a pre-trial hearing on August 15.
  • Despite a February DUI charge, and despite having failed to earn a role as a regular starter over his first four years in the league, the Ravens re-signed OL Ben Cleveland to a one-year deal this offseason. Baltimore appears to appreciate Cleveland’s ability to back up multiple spots on the O-line and is prepared to once again carry him on the roster as a reserve. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Cleveland’s trial has been postponed to November 13. He has pleaded not guilty.
  • Chiefs WR Rashee Rice was facing three civil suits stemming from the street-racing crash that took place in March 2024 (the criminal component of the incident was recently resolved, with Rice receiving a 30-day jail sentence and five years of probation). Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star says Rice settled one of the civil matters for $1.086MM, which will accrue interest until paid. Rice, a 2023 second-rounder, has no guaranteed money remaining on his rookie deal, and he stands to lose roughly $70K for every week he misses due to suspension in 2025 (h/t Spotrac, which also notes the club could seek repayment of a portion of Rice’s signing bonus — roughly $23K per week).
  • Like Rice, Texans RB Joe Mixon had a civil suit to resolve. As Sheree Paolello of WLWT 5 reports, Mixon settled a lawsuit involving a teenage boy who was shot with a real bullet while playing Nerf Wars near Mixon’s home in March 2023, when Mixon was still a member of the Bengals. As Paolello detailed in a full-length piece a few months after the incident, the shots were allegedly fired by the boyfriend of Mixon’s sister, though the victim’s family believed the gun and ammunition were owned by Mixon. The details of the settlement will not be released. 
  • Jordan Addison recently entered into a plea agreement in his DUI matter. While the Vikings’ wide receiver did consider going to trial, per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network (video link), he did not want the issue creating a distraction during training camp. He could still receive a suspension from the league, of course.
  • We heard in May that former Raiders WR Henry Ruggs, currently imprisoned for a drunk-driving incident that resulted in the horrific death of a woman and her dog, is eyeing an NFL return. He will be eligible for parole in August 2026, and if he is granted parole, Albert Breer of SI.com believes an NFL club could give him another chance. Breer says it is unclear whether the league would suspend Ruggs; a league official told Breer the matter would be “reviewed” when the time comes.

Dolphins Sign Second-Round OL Jonah Savaiinaea To Fully Guaranteed Rookie Deal

The Dolphins have agreed to terms on a 100% fully guaranteed rookie contract with second-round offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

The deal makes Savaiinaea the first No. 37 pick and the fifth second-round pick to receive a fully guaranteed contract in league history. He received significant increases over the guarantees of 2024 No. 37 pick Ja’Lynn Polk, who had 30% of his Year 4 salary and 84.7% of his total deal guaranteed, per OverTheCap. Savaiinaea received 15.3% more guaranteed money overall with a massive 70% increase in Year 4 guaranteed salary.

Savaiinaea did not report with the rest of the Miami’s rookie class on July 15 as one of several second-round picks holding out for fully guarantee rookie contracts after the Texans set new precedent with No. 34 pick Jayden Higgins. No. 35 pick Nick Emmanwori signed a fully guaranteed deal with the Seahawks on Thursday, giving Savaiinaea leverage to demand similar terms. Savaiinaea is also projected to replace Liam Eichenberg as the Dolphins’ starting right guard after they traded up for him in April’s draft, so it was important to get him on the field to build chemistry with his new teammates.

By giving in to Savaiinaea’s demands, the Dolphins will continue the domino effect of second-round pick signings. No. 39 pick Luther Burden signed a fully guaranteed contract with the Bears shortly after Savaiinaea put pen to paper, which should lock No. 38 pick TreVeyon Henderson into a similar deal with the Patriots. Saints rookie quarterback and No. 40 pick Tyler Shough should also be able to secure the fully guaranteed deal that he has been pursuing.

Normally, Savaiinaea’s signing would also ensure that the pick before him gets a fully guaranteed deal. However, No. 36 pick Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned as he faces a charge of misdemeanor battery after a domestic incident in Florida. The Browns are in no rush to sign him to his rookie deal, per Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, as the team wants their second-round pick’s focus to remain on his legal issues.

Savaiinaea’s signing completes the Dolphins’ eight-man draft class before training camp kicks off next week.

Latest On Browns RB Quinshon Judkins

Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins was arrested this past weekend has has since been charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. Further details have emerged regarding the running back’s case.

Judkins’ arrest report documents the specifics of the alleged incident (h/t Tom Pelissero of NFL Network). On July 7, the accuser – a woman who was in a relationship between May and December 2024 and again from June 2025 onwards with Judkins – was struck with a closed fist in the chin/lip area and later hit in the left arm and thigh, per the report. The alleged victim initially did not contact police out of concern for the damage it would do to Judkins’ NFL career.

After discussing the matter with family and friends, though, the accuser later filed the report which led to Judkins’ arrest. The second-rounder was booked into Broward County Main Jail in Florida on Saturday and remained in custody overnight. An updated story on the situation from Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal notes Judkins was released Sunday on a $2,500 bond.

The arrest report notes the accuser still had “visible bruising on her chin area” as of July 12. She also provided police with a photograph taken on July 8 detailing her injuries from the previous day. That evidence will be included in the legal process as it plays out; only after its conclusion will the NFL launch an investigation of its own and determine if supplemental discipline under the personal conduct policy is necessary.

One of the top prospects in a deep 2025 RB class, Judkins was selected 36th overall. The Ole Miss and Ohio State product is one of two rookies Cleveland has in the backfield, a group which no longer includes Pro Bowler Nick Chubb. Judkins, 21, will face high expectations when he sees the field at the NFL level. The time at which that will take place is uncertain as training camp approaches, though.

Browns RB Quinshon Judkins Arrested

July 13: The NFL has released a statement indicating it is aware of this matter but is presently declining comment, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Meanwhile, Oysefusi passes along a statement from the Fort Lauderdale PD, which reads as follows:

On July 12th, at approximately 9 a.m., Fort Lauderdale Police Officers responded to the 1500 block of West Cypress Creek Road in reference to a delayed battery. Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the victim. During their preliminary investigation it was determined a battery had occurred. The officers made contact with the suspect and placed him into custody. He was transported to Broward County Main Jail. The suspect has been identified as Quinshon Judkins, DOB 10/29/2003 and has been charged with Misdemeanor Battery.

July 12: Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has been arrested on charges of battery and domestic violence, as noted by The Athletic’s Zac Jackson.

Judkins was arrested today in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, per information from the Broward County Sheriff. This news comes shortly before the start of Cleveland’s training camp. Judkins is among the 30 second-round picks from this year’s draft which have yet to sign their rookie contracts.

Through a spokesman the Browns said in a statement they are “aware and gathering information” about this situation (via Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal). Records indicate the case is “pending trial” at this point, and ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi adds a court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The charges in question are usually a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law.

Judkins spent his first two college campaigns at Ole Miss. That span included a freshman season in which he racked up 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. His sophomore campaign saw a reduction in efficiency but another 17 total scores. Judkins transferred to Ohio State for the 2024 season. While operating as a key member of the Buckeyes’ backfield tandem, the 21-year-old averaged 5.5 yards per carry and amassed 1,221 scrimmage yards en route to the team’s national championship.

Last year, Browns second-rounder Mike Hall was arrested on a domestic violence charge. The defensive tackle missed the first four games of the campaign before a one-game suspension was ultimately handed down. Free agent linebacker Devin Bush could likewise face legal and/or league consequences after he was charged with simple assault and harassment stemming from an alleged incident involving his girlfriend this spring.

The NFL routinely waits for the legal process to play out before launching an investigation and (potentially) handing down a fine or suspension under the personal conduct policy, particularly in domestic violence cases. Even though Judkins is not yet under contract, he is still subject to the policy and thus any discipline which winds up being deemed necessary depending on how his situation unfolds.