Browns News
[the_ad id=”105842″]The Cleveland Browns remain without rookie running back Quinshon Judkins as they prepare for their Week 1 divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked Monday about Judkins’ status but offered no new information on when the second-round pick might join the team.
Judkins, 21, was selected 36th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft following a solid career at Ole Miss. The Browns envisioned him as an immediate contributor in the backfield, but off-field issues have kept him from taking part in offseason programs, training camp, or preseason games. Although earlier reports suggested he might sign before the opener, Judkins has yet to do so, leaving his role for the upcoming season unresolved.
Cleveland’s running game will instead rely on Jerome Ford, who took on an expanded role last season and enters 2025 as the starter. One player to watch for is Dylan Sampson, who has looked good this summer and is currently the RB2.
The uncertainty surrounding Judkins extends beyond his contract situation. While legal issues from earlier in the offseason did not result in formal charges, the NFL could still suspend its personal conduct policy. That possibility, combined with his unsigned status, makes it unclear when or if the rookie will suit up this season.
For fantasy football managers, Judkins has gone from a potential mid-round sleeper to a stash option at best. His draft capital suggests long-term potential, but without clarity on his availability, he cannot be relied on in Week 1 or beyond until his situation changes. Ford becomes the only Browns running back worth starting in fantasy lineups, while Sampson is a sneaky stash with upside.
Browns Draft Curse
At this point, I don’t think you can blame the front office. The Browns seem cursed when it comes to making decisions at the NFL draft. Judkins’ situation began in July (after the draft) when he was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on a misdemeanor battery charge related to domestic violence. Prosecutors later declined to pursue the case, citing problems with the evidence. Florida’s assistant state attorney noted in a memorandum that the report arrived late, there was no video footage, and no independent witnesses came forward.
On August 14, the case was officially dropped.
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