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.
What Happened to Quinshon Judkins?
Judkins’ situation began in July when he was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on a misdemeanor battery charge related to domestic violence, according to PFSN’s Joe Rutland.
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.
Browns Holding Off on Judkins’ Rookie Deal Amid NFL Review
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Browns and Judkins have not yet reached an agreement because the NFL has its own investigation underway.
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.
READ MORE: Should I Draft Quinshon Judkins? Fantasy Outlook for the Browns’ Rookie RB in 2025
Judkins 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.
On the field, Judkins brings an impressive résumé. He spent his first two college seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to Ohio State for his junior year. In his lone season with the Buckeyes, he tallied 1,060 rushing yards and scored 14 touchdowns.
While the contract delay ÍŹhas created uncertaintyÍŹ,ÍŹ the belief remains that Judkins willÍŹ eventually sign and play aÍŹ major role for the Browns. ÍŹFor now, his status for Week 1ÍŹ depends on how quickly theÍŹ league completes ÍŹits investigation and how soon the BÍŹrowns are ready ÍŹtoÍŹ ÍŹmove forward.
