The Cleveland Browns may be in the market for a veteran running back with uncertainty around Quinshon Judkins following his arrest over the weekend.
Judkins, a second-round pick and a key piece of the Browns’ future plans, was arrested Saturday in Florida on a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence. According to a statement from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, the arrest stemmed from a “delayed battery” report. The Browns have stated they are “aware of the matter and gathering more information.”
Judkins could be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list while the league investigates the incident, which would sideline him from all practices and games but allow him to continue receiving pay. Players on the list do not count against the 53-man roster.
The standard penalty for a first violation involving physical force is a six-game suspension without pay, though that can be increased or reduced based on mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
Jamaal Williams Pitched as Option for Browns
If Judkins is out of the mix, the Browns have limited depth at running back. Veteran Jerome Ford will be in the mix, as well as Dylan Sampson, who was taken in the fourth round of the draft. Pierre Strong Jr. could also receive some reps.
However, a capable veteran in that group could be helpful, even as an extra body for training camp and preseason games. Jared Mueller of Dawgs by Nature pitched Jamaal Williams as an option for the Browns. Williams is a free agent after being released by the Saints in March.
“At 27, Williams had a breakout year for the Detroit Lions in 2022 with over 1,000 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns, ” Mueller said. “In the two seasons since, Williams has had just 470 rushing yards and two touchdowns with the New Orleans Saints. Just 30 years old, perhaps a new environment could see a resurgence.”
While his 2024 campaign was not as prolific as his league-leading 17-touchdown season with the Detroit Lions in 2022, Williams still offers a dependable and physical running style that the Browns could greatly benefit from.
There is not a wealth of talent on the free agent market. Ameer Abdullah, Gus Edwards, D’Ernest Johnson and D’Onta Foreman were names pitched.
Browns Moved on From Nick Chubb
The Browns decided to reshape their running back room this offseason. Nick Chubb remained a free agent until last month, when he signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. Despite clamors from fans and the locker room, Cleveland decided to move on from the four-time Pro Bowler.
“I love Nick. I think a lot of the guys who are in this locker room still feel the same way as I do. It crushes to see him get injured, had to battle through, and then it happened again. So we want the very best for him,” Browns star Myles Garrett said after Chubb signed with Houston. “Happy to see him still able to play, still able to do his thing. Wanted to see him go back to being the player that he was and have a smile on his face, and continue to ball out.”
The uncertainty surrounding Judkins only amplifies the sting of the Browns’ decision to part ways with Nick Chubb.
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