The Cleveland Browns have yet to sign second-round pick Quinshon Judkins, who’s the last draft pick to sign.
Judkins has been holding out for a fully guaranteed contract, as other second-round picks got this year. However, Judkins is also facing some legal issues as he was arrested on July 12 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on charges of domestic assault and battery.
However, a month later, all charges were dropped, but the NFL is still investigating the matter. With that, Browns insider Tony Grossi expects Judkins to be suspended, and there will be a zero percent chance he plays in Week 1.
“I think there is a zero percent chance. I do think he’s going to be suspended otherwise this case would have been done by now,” Grossi said on ESPN Cleveland. “But, the NFLPA is trying to negotiate a reduced suspension. I think the contract will fall in line once they now how many games he’s out.”
When asked how long he expects Judkins to be suspended for, he was quick to answer.
“2-4,” Grossi added when asked how long Judkins would be suspended for.
Although the charges were dropped against Judkins, Grossi still expects the NFL to suspend the running back. But Grossi believes the suspension will help the contract get done, as the Browns will know how many games he will be available for this season.
Cleveland selected Judkins with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Insider Doubts Judkins Plays Week 1 for Browns
Grossi’s report follows what NFL insider Mike Florio had to say.
Florio of Pro Football Talk said he doubts Judkins’ contract will be done in time for him to play Week 1.
“Some believe that, if Judkins shows up before the league resolves his Personal Conduct Policy case, he’ll promptly be placed on paid leave,” Florio said. “The other potential complication, in our view, comes from the standard default language that will void future guarantees. A suspension typically wipes out future guarantees. And both sides know a suspension is potentially coming. Judkins may be trying to get a dispensation for the incident that has sparked the looming suspension. The Browns may be holding firm…
“Even if Judkins signs today — and isn’t summarily put on paid leave — it’s hard to imagine him being ready to play on Sunday, given that he had not a single rep in training camp,” Florio added.
If Judkins doesn’t sign and isn’t ready for Week 1, the Browns will use a backfield of Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson.
Cleveland opens its season at home on Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Browns Coach Gives Vague Update on Judkins
Despite Judkins still not being signed, the Browns were holding out hope he would be available for Week 1.
Ahead of Week 1, head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked if there were any updates on Judkins’ status. However, Stefanksi gave a vague update on whether he’d be available for Week 1.
“I can’t get into that. Hard to speculate,” Stefanski said.
The vague update likely isn’t a good sign for Judkins’ availability for Week 1. But, Cleveland isn’t ruling out a deal getting done and Judkins suiting up on Sunday.
Insider Shares Potential Suspension Length for Browns’ Quinshon Judkins