The Cleveland Browns appear poised to begin the season without rookie running back Quinshon Judkins.
Judkins, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, was arrested on July 12 and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery stemming from an alleged incident involving his girlfriend.
Judkins’ legal process is still unfolding but a suspension appears likely. The NFL’s baseline punishment for domestic violence incidents is a six-game suspension, though the exact length can be adjusted based on the outcome of the investigation and any mitigating or aggravating factors.
The NFL and the Browns have said they’re aware of the situation but are still gathering information. Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com believes it is unlikely that Judkins avoids missing games.
“When we heard and saw what allegedly happened and the description in the police report, I can’t see how the NFL isn’t going to suspend him,” Cabot said on the “Baskin & Phelps” show on 92.3 The Fan. “It’s really incredibly unfortunate. I don’t believe there were any red flags about anything of this sort heading in. If there were, they flew completely under the radar. I never saw anything at all about character concerns.”
Quinshon Judkins’ Contract Situation With Browns Complicates Future
Rookies are scheduled to report to training camp on Friday, but it’s unclear whether Judkins will be among them. He remains the only unsigned draft pick for the Browns. Like many second-round selections across the league, he has been holding out in hopes of securing a fully guaranteed contract.
In light of his recent arrest, Cabot said it would be in the Browns’ best interest to pause contract negotiations until there’s more clarity.
“It would be a good idea from an optics standpoint, at least, to hold off before they rush into a fully guaranteed contract, which is what Quinshon has been waiting and hoping for like the other second-round picks,” Cabot said. “I know they are in the process of gathering more information.”
The Browns encountered a similar situation last season with defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. However, Hall was already under contract at the time. While it’s technically possible for him to participate in training camp without a signed deal, doing so would significantly weaken his negotiating leverage.
“There is a world where he is practicing until the NFL says he can’t,” Cabot said.
Browns May Add Running Back Based on Judkins Suspension
If Judkins is handed a suspension, the Browns will likely investigate adding another running back. Their current depth chart includes rookie Dylan Sampson, Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr.
“They’ll be judicious on that. If or when they get word that Quinshon has been suspended, they might want to add to the pile some,” Cabot said. “That’s something they’ll have to plan to do potentially.”
The running back market is thin with training camps set to open around the league. Some familiar names — including former Browns D’Onta Foreman and D’Ernest Johnson — remain available.
The Browns’ veterans will report to camp on July 22. Cleveland’s first preseason game is scheduled for Aug. 8 against the Carolina Panthers.
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