Quinshon Judkins signs $11.4M contract with Browns as legal troubles conclude
The Cleveland Browns have finally secured their second-round pick, running back Quinshon Judkins, as he is set to sign his rookie contract. According to reports from NFL Network, Judkins will finalize his fully guaranteed four-year deal on Saturday, which is valued at $11.4 million. This contract offers a temporary roster exemption for the rookie, allowing him to begin his journey with the team.
Details of the Contract
Judkins, who was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft, will not have a fifth-year option attached to his deal. This structure is standard for second-round picks, as they typically feature a four-year contract without additional options.
Legal Issues Resolved
The delay in signing Judkins stemmed from legal challenges he faced earlier this offseason. On July 12, the Ohio State alum was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. However, last month, prosecutors decided to drop the charges against him, clearing a significant hurdle for his return to the team.
The prosecutor’s statement clarified that there was no video evidence of the incident, nor were there independent witnesses to corroborate the claims. While the victim had presented photos showing injuries, there were also videos taken during the same timeframe that showed no signs of injury. The statement noted that the injuries depicted could be explained by either party’s account of the events.
Potential League Disciplinary Action
While the legal issues have been resolved, the NFL is still conducting its own investigation into the matter. It remains uncertain whether Judkins will face any disciplinary action from the league despite the charges being dropped.
Impact on Rookie’s Debut
Having missed training camp and the preseason due to these complications, Judkins will require additional time to ramp up his conditioning and acclimate to the team’s system. As a result, it seems highly unlikely that he will make his debut in Week 1. The Browns are expected to rely on a combination of veteran Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson in the backfield during the early part of the season.
As the situation develops, the Browns will be eager to integrate Judkins into their lineup, hoping that his talent can help elevate their offensive game this season.
