The Cleveland Browns have a solid seven-man NFL draft class going into the 2025 season. Browns GM Andrew Berry entered this year’s selection process with a load of picks in the sixth and seventh rounds but ended up not selecting anyone after picking QB Shedeur Sanders in the fifth.
So far, Berry has locked up three of the team’s seven selections to contracts:
With just four picks left to sign, it will be interesting to see which one signs last as all could have a case for having their agents focus on the details (guaranteed, offset language) of the deal:
DT Mason Graham was the team’s top selection and will likely wait until DE Abdul Carter signs his contract before getting his done
RB Quinshon Judkins was selected just a couple of picks after Schwesinger, but guaranteed deals in Houston and Cleveland for second-rounders could cause a delay with others near the top of that round
QB Dillon Gabriel may be concerned about what happens with the second quarterback Cleveland selected in terms of guaranteed and offset language
QB Shedeur Sanders is just an entity of his own in a lot of ways, including not having an official agent representing him
Based on history (even before the Texans fully guaranteed the first second-round contract), it is Judkins that could take the longest to sign:
A look at when draft picks have signed their rookie contracts in the past based on draft slot. Dark patches (players who signed later) appear in the second round over the last few seasons, showing agents & teams negotiating for additional guarantees.
Data: The Football Database pic.twitter.com/y5xm8rIdSU
— Anthony Reinhard (@reinhardNFL) May 17, 2025
Given the limits around rookie contracts, the Browns should have no problem getting these deals done, but there is a chance Judkins’ representatives hold out as long as possible to see if they can also get their client a guaranteed deal.
Do you think it matters when rookies get their deals done? Given the history, any concern that Judkins could hold out in training camp?
As always, we have a comment section below if you want to join the conversation