Cleveland Browns Secure Contract for Quinshon Judkins Before Season Kickoff

The Cleveland Browns finalized a contract with their second-round pick Quinshon Judkins on Saturday, marking a significant step ahead of the upcoming NFL season. The agreement came after the resolution of his recent legal challenges, allowing the young athlete to focus on football.

At only 21 years old, Judkins was the final player from the 2025 NFL Draft class to sign a contract, making his situation particularly noteworthy. Prior to signing, he faced a battery and misdemeanor domestic violence allegation stemming from an incident on July 12.

Legal Troubles Resolved

Judkins’ legal issues prevented him from participating in the Browns’ training camp. As he worked through these challenges, his absence raised concerns about his readiness for the season. Fortunately, the state investigator’s office dismissed the charges after finding inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s account of the events.

Despite the charges being dropped, Judkins still faces the possibility of disciplinary action from the NFL. An NFL spokesman, Brian McCarthy, confirmed in an email to the Associated Press that the case is still under review, leaving room for uncertainty regarding his status.

Judkins’ Impact on the Team

With the contract now signed, Judkins is anticipated to make a significant impact once he is fully cleared to participate. However, he is unlikely to play in the Browns’ season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. His participation will depend on how effectively he practices in the following week.

The team has obtained a temporary roster exemption for Judkins, a move reported by NFL Network. This exemption allows him to train with the team without necessitating a formal roster change. Notably, this exemption is valid for two games, providing the Browns additional time to integrate Judkins into their lineup.

Current Running Back Strategy

In Judkins’ absence, the Browns are expected to rely heavily on established running backs Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson. Ford, who is entering his fourth year with the team, demonstrated notable performance last season, amassing 565 rushing yards and three touchdowns over 14 games. He averaged a commendable 5.4 yards per carry, showcasing his capability as a key offensive player.

Moreover, Ford proved effective in the passing game, recording 37 receptions that added 225 yards to his seasonal tally, underlining his versatility on the field.

Meanwhile, Sampson, a promising newcomer selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft out of Tennessee, was recognized as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, further strengthening the Browns’ running back position. At only 20, he holds significant potential to contribute during professional play.

Looking Ahead

The Browns are preparing for their first game of the season, set against the Bengals at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. As the team formulates its game plan, much will depend on the performance of the other running backs until Judkins can acclimate to the NFL pace.

Overall, the signing of Quinshon Judkins adds depth to the Cleveland Browns’ roster, providing future opportunities once his legal situation is entirely resolved. As fans eagerly await the season’s start, they are hopeful that Judkins will swiftly become an integral part of the team’s strategy moving forward.

Stay tuned for updates as the Browns gear up for an exciting season full of potential.