As the 2025 NFL season begins, just one of the 257 players selected in the draft remains without a contract: Cleveland Browns second-round running back Quinshon Judkins.
Judkins, the 36th overall pick from Ohio State, was expected to make an immediate impact after a collegiate season in which he amassed 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, the prolonged contract dispute has cast serious doubt on when he will make his debut for the team.
The reason for the impasse remains unclear, though it follows an offseason trend of second-round picks successfully negotiating fully guaranteed contracts—a feat accomplished by seven players, including fellow Browns draftee Carson Schwesinger. Judkins also faced a misdemeanor battery charge this offseason, but the case was dropped by prosecutors on August 14. Despite the legal resolution, an agreement on his contract, which has a slotted value of nearly $11.39 million, has not materialized.
The Browns organization has been tight-lipped about the negotiations. On Monday, both head coach Kevin Stefanski and assistant general manager Catherine Hickman declined to provide an update on the rookie’s status. Stefanski also refused to speculate on whether Judkins could be ready for the Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals even if he signed late in the week, stating, “I can’t get into that.”
In Judkins’ absence, fourth-year veteran Jerome Ford is expected to lead Cleveland’s backfield. Ford, who averaged a career-best 5.4 yards per carry last season, will be supported by fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson and undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders. While Judkins would likely assume a significant role upon signing, it is uncertain how quickly he could integrate into the offense and ascend the depth chart.
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