BEREA -- The Cleveland Browns have been waiting for the situation with running back Quinshon Judkins for some time now. Judkins was cleared legally, of the domestic assault charges when the prosecutors decided not to pursue a case against him. Most observers felt that would have cleared the way for Judkins to join the Browns, while the NFL decided if it was going to imposed a suspension against him.
A league source confirmed the Browns agreeing to terms with Judkins to The OBR on Saturday morning. The contract is reported to be a four-year contract for $11.4 million, fully guaranteed. The delay in the contract getting done came down to contract details and language.
Judkins has been the lone unsigned player from the entire 2025 NFL Draft. With slotting now among the draft picks, there is not a lot of wiggle room in negotiations. The only part of the standard four-year contract for a second-round draft choice is the amount of guaranteed money involved.
Judkins was arrested on July 12 in Florida on a charge of "touch or strike/battery/domestic violence." The arrest was a result of an incident on July 7 in which a woman he was traveling with told police in a report that he "punched her in the mouth/chin area with a closed fist".
Judkins, 21, was released on a $2,500 bond on July 13 after appearing in Broward County Traffic and Misdemeanor Court. His next court appearance has not been scheduled.
The NFL is expected to also conduct an invesitgation for their own disciplinary process regarding their personal conduct policy. A six-game suspension has been the standard for a player's first domestic violence violation.
Last year, rookie Michael Hall Jr., missed the first five games under suspension by the NFL for the personal conduct policy from a domestic violence arrest.
Hall, while on the exempt list, was unable to practice or play with the team, but was able to attend meetings. He ended up with a five-game suspension.
Judkins was expected to be the lead back for the Browns in their expected focus on the rushing game. Judkins, along with fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford were expected to be the top three backs in training camp after Nick Chubb moved on to the Texans as a free agent.