The Cleveland Browns walked into Week 1 with one of the most bizarre problems in the NFL. Their top draft pick, running back Quinshon Judkins, was supposed to be the answer after Nick Chubb’s departure in free agency. Instead, the 36th overall pick remained unsigned until recently.
Latest on Quinshon Judkins’ Contract Situation
Cleveland drafted Judkins with the 36th overall pick, banking on him to make an immediate impact. The holdout began over contract guarantees, but the situation became far more complicated in July when he was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge connected to an alleged incident involving his girlfriend.
Although prosecutors ultimately dropped the case after reviewing video evidence, phone records, and a sworn statement from the woman, the NFL’s independent review is still ongoing.
On Saturday, September 6, Judkins officially signed his rookie contract with the Browns. “The Browns are signing second-round RB Quinshon Judkins to his fully guaranteed deal, sources say,” wrote NFL insider Ian Rapoport on X.
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
“All draft picks are now under contract,” Rapoport continued. “Judkins’ legal situation is behind him after no charges were filed, though the NFL is still conducting its investigation.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that Judkins signed a four-year, $11.4 million deal with the Browns. He said, “Finally: the Cleveland Browns and their second-round pick Quinshon Judkins reached agreement today on a four-year, $11.4 million deal that now means all 2025 draft picks have deals.”
Will Judkins Play in Week 1?
Despite signing his contract ahead of Week 1, Judkins will not play against the Cincinnati Bengals. “Judkins is not expected to play this week for the #Browns,” Rapoport said, “But depending on practice, could play the following week.”
On Sunday, Schefter revealed that Judkins will likely make his debut for the Browns in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens. “Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins is scheduled to meet with the NFL this week about its investigation,” the Insider wrote. “But there is a real possibility, and even likelihood according to one source, that he will make his NFL debut next Sunday at Baltimore.”
This situation forces Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson to handle the bulk of the carries on Sunday. The Browns might also receive a roster exemption for Judkins, which would give them the flexibility to add another running back while he remains away from the team.
This certainly wasn’t how the Browns envisioned their backfield after moving on from Chubb. What was supposed to be a seamless transition to a new centerpiece has become a patchwork rotation led by Ford and Sampson.
The Browns’ running back dilemma is just one of several pressing concerns. Joe Flacco will open the season as the starting quarterback, but his hold on the job is uncertain. With rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders developing behind him, and the front office already scouting the Ohio State–Texas game, it’s clear that Cleveland may already have an eye on the 2026 NFL Draft for their next quarterback.
For now, the spotlight remains fixed on Judkins. At just 21 years old, the 5-foot-11, 221-pound back has undeniable talent, proven by his more than 3,700 yards and 45 touchdowns at Ole Miss and Ohio State.
Judkins’ Fantasy Outlook
PFSN’s Kyle Soppe wrote this about the Browns’ rookie RB’s fantasy outlook heading into Week 1:
The dismissal of all charges against Quinshon Judkins this summer brings long-awaited clarity, but his early-season outlook remains murky. Extended practice absences and concerns about the Browns’ offensive struggles cast doubt on his immediate impact.
The Browns have signed rookie RB Quinshon Judkins, per @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/vpYJo1cazf
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 6, 2025
This situation could become an imperfect storm, with Judkins likely getting up to speed right around the time a quarterback change takes place. While optimism for a fast start is low, there’s a clear path to volume on a run-heavy team, making this a situation worth monitoring closely.
That interest is rooted in his past performance. Judkins cleared 1,200 yards and scored at least 16 times in all three of his collegiate seasons, and that pedigree is what required the Browns to spend a second-round pick on him.
Still, with Dylan Sampson getting a full camp and Jerome Ford entrenched, this backfield projects as a wide-open committee and a situation best avoided for now. Stashing any of these backs feels more like an October move, and even that might be optimistic.
“Right around the time a QB change is taking place”. Who writes this fiction.
The only way the Browns change QBs is if their season is over.
Hilarious!