The Cleveland Browns͏’ second-͏round pick, Q͏ui͏nshon͏ J͏udkins, ͏has spent the offseason in the spotlight for͏ reasons that extend beyond the football field.
With Week ͏1 approaching, many ͏are wondering ͏why the rookie running back͏ has yet to finalize his first NFL contract, leaving his immediate future in question͏.
Will Quinshon Judkins Play in Week 1?
Judkins’ situation began in July when he was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on a misdemeanor battery charge related to domestic violence.
Prosecutors later declined to pursue the case, citing problems with the evidence. Florida’s assistant state attorney noted in a memorandum that the report came in late, there was no video footage, and no independent witnesses stepped forward. On August 14, the case was officially dropped.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz confirmed that Judkins would not face legal consequences, 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 that development, contract negotiations have not moved forward. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Browns and Judkins have not yet reached an agreement because the NFL is conducting its own investigation.
He explained that “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.”
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
The team technically has the option to sign him at any point, but with league officials still reviewing the incident, the Browns’ front office appears to be waiting before finalizing his rookie deal.
As a result, Judkins is unlikely to play in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
READ MORE: Should I Draft Quinshon Judkins? Fantasy Outlook for the Browns’ Rookie RB in 2025
The Ohio State product was drafted to replace longtime Browns star Nick Chubb, who signed with the Houston Texans this offseason. That expectation adds more weight to the ongoing contract situation, as the Browns look to solidify their backfield.
While the contract delay ͏has created uncertainty͏,͏ the belief remains that Judkins will͏ eventually sign and play a͏ major role for the Browns. ͏
Judkins’ Fantasy Outlook
PFSN’s Mason LeBeau had this to say about Judkins’ fantasy outlook for the upcoming season: During the NFL draft process, Quinshon Judkins rose to my RB2 right with Omarion Hampton. He went early in the second round to Cleveland, and while I would’ve loved for him to be attached to a better offense, I still like the scheme he’d be entering with a likely workhorse role attached. Plus, his value would never get too high, being on the Browns.
Now, we aren’t even sure if Judkins will play this season. Earlier this offseason, he was arrested — the same time other second-rounders were holding out for higher guarantees.
This perfect storm has led to Judkins being without a deal and in the midst of a legal battle. Had he signed a contract earlier, there’s a good chance he’d still be cleared to play until everything was resolved, but that likely wouldn’t happen until next season. Instead, Judkins and the Browns will have to wait out the process.
Judkins is likely a late-round stash in most cases, but I wouldn’t bother with it unless we get an update prior to drafts. Wasting a bench spot for a player who may not play this year is too rich for me, and we don’t know if he’s even worth drafting. Let someone else deal with it, and take Dylan Sampson instead.
