The Cleveland Browns entered the 2025 season with plenty of attention on rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, but not all of it was tied to football. His off-field situation delayed contract talks and raised doubts about when he might take the field.
A Look at Judkins’ Performance vs. Ravens
Judkins made his NFL debut in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns suffered a 41-17 defeat, but the rookie running back played well.
Judkins finished the game with 10 carries for 61 yards and three receptions for 10 yards. He is their RB1 going forward, and it will be interesting to see how the Browns’ rookie will perform next week against the Green Bay Packers.
Through the first two weeks of the season, the Packers’ defense has looked like the best in the league. It would be a great sight for the Browns if Judkins went on to have a great game against Micah Parsons and Co.
What Were Quinshon Judkins’ Offseason Struggles and Contract Delay?
The uncertainty began in July when Judkins was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on a misdemeanor battery charge connected to domestic violence.
The case did not progress far, however. Prosecutors declined to pursue charges, citing the lack of evidence, no video footage, and the absence of independent witnesses. On August 14, the matter was officially dropped.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz explained the significance of that outcome, reporting, “Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins will not face any formal charges. This clears the way for him to return to the team, and I’m told that should likely happen in the near future.”
Sources: #Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins will not face any formal charges, as prosecutors have declined to move forward with the case.
This clears the way for him to return to the team, and I’m told that should likely happen in the near future. pic.twitter.com/H5wBxYIRvA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 14, 2025
Despite the cleared legal path, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that the Browns were holding back on finalizing Judkins’ deal due to the league’s personal conduct investigation.
Though Cleveland second-round pick Quinshon Judkins will not face any charges, he and the Browns still have been unable to reach a deal and may not until the end of any NFL investigation. pic.twitter.com/QzbE6j8tsK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2025
He reported, “Though Cleveland second-round pick Quinshon Judkins will not face any charges, he and the Browns still have been unable to reach a deal and may not until the end of any NFL investigation.”
That standoff ended on September 6, the day before Week 1. According to Ian Rapoport, “The Browns are signing second-round RB Quinshon Judkins to his fully guaranteed deal, sources say. All draft picks are now under contract.”
The #Browns are signing second-round RB Quinshon Judkins to his fully guaranteed deal, sources say. All draft picks are now under contract.
Judkins legal situation is behind him after no charges were filed, though the NFL is still conducting its investigation. pic.twitter.com/eqE7h0TuGf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 6, 2025
Schefter confirmed the contract terms, describing it as a four-year, $11.4 million agreement.
Even with the contract in place, Judkins was not active in Week 1 against the Bengals. Rapoport reported that he was not expected to play but could be available the following week, depending on practice progress.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the situation heading into Week 2, telling reporters, “We’ll work through that over the next 24 hours. I do think he’s in good shape.” As PFSN’s Scott Long noted, the Browns listed Judkins as questionable for their matchup against the Ravens.
On Saturday, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler confirmed that Judkins would, in fact, make his debut in Week 2. To make space on the roster, the Browns waived wide receiver Gage Larvadain.
The Browns selected Judkins 36th overall to help fill the void left by Nick Chubb’s departure, but his journey into the NFL has already carried unexpected twists. While his legal situation is behind him, the league’s investigation remains a variable that could affect his future availability.
