The Browns are signing 2025 second-round pick Quinshon Judkins to a four-year, $11.4 million rookie contract that's fully guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday. Rapoport added that the rookie running back is not expected to play in Sunday's season opener against the Bengals.
Cleveland has since announced the signing of Judkins.
Judkins was arrested on July 12 and initially charged with touch or strike battery/domestic violence, but following an investigation by Florida prosecutors, they determined a conviction was unlikely based on numerous factors and declined to proceed with formal charges.
The 21-year-old Judkins could still face discipline from the NFL for violation of the league's personal conduct policy despite prosecutors declining charges. The league is still conducting its investigation.
The Browns were granted a two-game roster exemption for Judkins from the 53-man active/inactive list upon the announcement of his signing. The procedural move is unrelated to the league's ongoing disciplinary process, but still allows Judkins to practice and get acclimated with the club.
Depending on how he practices this week, Judkins could make his NFL debut in Week 2, per Rapoport.
Judkins won an NCAA championship with the Buckeyes in 2024, rushing for 1,060 yards in his first and only season with Ohio State. The Browns proceeded to select him with the No. 36 overall pick in April.
