Stalled Career: Quinshon Judkins, the highly touted running back selected by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is currently navigating a complex situation that has put his professional debut on hold. Despite the anticipation surrounding his arrival in Cleveland, Judkins remains the only unsigned rookie from his draft class, and he has firmly rejected any possibility of returning to college football, according to recent reports. This decision comes amidst ongoing contract negotiations and an NFL investigation into a past incident.
Judkins Declares: No College Return
Speculation had arisen regarding a potential return to college football for Judkins, given his unsigned status with the Browns. However, Judkins has unequivocally dismissed this option. This decision aligns with the general understanding that drafted players typically cannot return to college, though the exact NCAA rules governing such a scenario are complex and subject to interpretation.
The Unsigned Status: A Deep Dive
Contractual Stalemate
The primary reason for Judkins’ unsigned status is a reported contract dispute with the Cleveland Browns. While the specifics of the negotiation remain largely confidential, sources suggest that Judkins’ camp may be seeking a fully guaranteed contract. This demand reflects a growing trend among second-round picks, who are increasingly leveraging their draft position to secure more financial security. However, the Browns might be hesitant to offer such a guarantee, particularly in light of the ongoing NFL investigation.
NFL Investigation Looms
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is an NFL investigation stemming from a July 12, 2025, arrest in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While the charges related to the domestic violence incident were ultimately dropped on August 14, 2025, the NFL’s personal conduct policy allows the league to conduct its own independent investigation. Even with the legal charges dismissed, the NFL can still impose disciplinary measures, including a suspension, if they find sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. This potential suspension is a significant factor in the contract negotiations, as it could impact Judkins’ availability and value to the team.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are proceeding cautiously, carefully assessing the potential ramifications of the NFL’s investigation before committing to a fully guaranteed contract. The team’s reluctance is understandable, given the financial risk associated with guaranteeing a player’s salary who might face a suspension. The contract dispute may also involve concerns over default language that could void guarantees in light of the investigation.
The Timeline of Events
The situation unfolded rapidly in the months leading up to the 2025 NFL season. Judkins declared for the NFL Draft on January 24, 2025, after a successful college career that included a national championship with Ohio State in 2024, following his transfer from Ole Miss. His arrest in Fort Lauderdale occurred on July 12, 2025, and the charges were subsequently dropped on August 14, 2025. Reports confirming his decision to rule out a college return surfaced in late August 2025, just as the Browns were preparing for the start of the regular season.
Impact on the Cleveland Browns
Judkins’ absence is undoubtedly impacting the Cleveland Browns as they head into Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. The team had high hopes for the young running back, envisioning him as a key contributor to their offense. With his status uncertain, the Browns have begun signing other running backs to provide depth and address the potential void in their backfield. This move signals the team’s acknowledgement of the uncertainty surrounding Judkins’ availability and their commitment to ensuring they have adequate options at the position.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggested that a return to college football could be a “nuclear option” for unsigned rookies, but Judkins’ firm stance against this possibility closes that avenue. The Browns must now navigate the complexities of the contract negotiations and await the outcome of the NFL’s investigation. The resolution of these two issues is crucial for Judkins’ future with the team and his professional career as a whole.
Potential Contract Hangup
The Browns may be hesitant to include full guarantees in Judkins’ contract due to the ongoing NFL investigation. This is a standard practice in the NFL, as teams often include language in contracts that allows them to void guarantees if a player is suspended or otherwise violates the league’s personal conduct policy. According to CBSSports.com, the Browns may be waiting for the NFL to conclude its investigation before finalizing a contract with Judkins to avoid any potential financial repercussions.
Looking Ahead
Quinshon Judkins remains in a state of limbo as the 2025 NFL season kicks off. His immediate future hinges on the resolution of his contract dispute with the Cleveland Browns and the outcome of the NFL’s investigation into the July incident. While he has definitively ruled out a return to college football, the path forward for his professional career remains uncertain. The Browns, meanwhile, must prepare for the season with or without their highly touted rookie running back, adapting their game plan and roster accordingly. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the next steps for both Judkins and the Browns as they navigate this challenging situation.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/AIQXEWE2PFLIZLZLZ24YMDD7S3LU.jpg?w=75&resize=75,75&ssl=1 "The Next Manning QB Is Here: Can Arch Meet Sky-High Expectations?")
