For two seasons, Jerome Ford has been Cleveland’s safety net at running back, but now he might be their only hope. With Quinshon Judkins still in contract limbo as an NFL investigation hangs over the franchise’s backfield plans, the Browns face a crisis they never saw coming. What was supposed to be a dynamic rushing attack anchored by fresh talent has become a desperate scramble to field a competent ground game.
Why Are the Cleveland Browns’ Running Back Plans in Chaos?
The Browns overhauled their offense this offseason and moved on from longtime lead back Nick Chubb, hoping the second-round pick Judkins would anchor the backfield. Across three collegiate seasons at Ole Miss and Ohio State, Judkins averaged 246 carries, 1,262 rushing yards, and 15 touchdowns, showcasing the production of a true workhorse.
However, Judkins joined several second-rounders in holding out for more guaranteed money. During that contract standoff, he was arrested in Florida on domestic violence charges. While those charges have since been dropped, the rookie remains unsigned since he’s still facing an NFL investigation, leaving Cleveland with only Ford and Dylan Sampson on its 53-man roster.
That limbo leaves the Browns’ ground game in flux. With one of the weakest running back rooms in the league on paper, the question of who steps up as RB1 looms large over everything the Browns want to accomplish on offense.
Can Jerome Ford Handle Being Cleveland’s Featured Back?
Ford was drafted by the Browns in 2022 but got an expanded role in the offense over the last two seasons thanks to Chubb’s knee injury. Ford has played 31 games with 18 starts over the previous two seasons, carrying the ball 308 times for 1,378 yards and seven touchdowns.
He’s also added 81 receptions on 106 targets for 544 yards and five touchdowns. Ford finished as RB25 in PPR points per game in 2023 with 12.4 points per contest.
who was able to pick up jerome ford?! 🙋♂️ pic.twitter.com/4E4sJbsbVR
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) September 24, 2023
Given his familiarity with the offense, it won’t be surprising if the Browns lean heavily on Ford to begin the season. He can produce in that role, especially if the team finds itself in passing situations frequently.
Ford could also maintain that complementary role if Judkins eventually signs his rookie contract and takes over the early-down work, as everyone expected back in the summer.
What Makes Dylan Sampson Cleveland’s Wild Card?
The Browns’ actions over the past year suggest they don’t see Ford as a long-term RB1 solution. Ford only stayed on the roster after accepting a pay cut, and Cleveland then used premium draft capital on Judkins in the second round and Sampson in the fourth. That’s hardly a vote of confidence in their incumbent back.
While Ford’s veteran status likely keeps him atop the depth chart, Sampson may not be far behind him. Despite being a rotational back at Tennessee during his first two seasons, he still managed 1,001 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on just 164 carries, while adding 20 receptions for 199 yards and a score.
Then, in 2024, Sampson exploded as the SEC’s leading rusher with 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns on 258 carries, and 20 receptions for 143 yards. That production suggests Cleveland might have found their future starter in the fourth round, regardless of what happens with Judkins.
