The NFL preseason is underway, and while fantasy football managers monitor rookies who are climbing the depth chart, Quinshon Judkins’ professional debut remains in question for all the wrong reasons. The Browns’ second-round pick is dealing with ongoing legal issues and is the only rookie from his draft class yet to sign. Where does his NFL future stand entering mid-August, and what does this mean for the rest of Cleveland’s backfield?
Quinshon Judkins Status Update
Judkins, selected 36th overall by the Cleveland Browns, has yet to sign his rookie contract as of the second week of August. His absence stems from ongoing legal problems: Judkins was arrested in Florida in July on domestic battery charges, accused of striking his girlfriend during a dispute. After his arrest, he posted bond, received contact restrictions, and was instructed to prioritize legal matters over football.
While the Browns have repeatedly said they are evaluating the situation and seeking more information before proceeding, Judkins recently waived his right to a speedy trial. This means his court process could be delayed well past the 2025 NFL season, offering his legal team time to prepare but pushing any potential football return further into uncertainty.
From Broward County court records: #Browns RB Quinshon Judkins’ attorney files yesterday to waive Judkins’ right to a speedy trial, meaning the case could get pushed into early 2026.
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 7, 2025
He has not reported for training camp or preseason…because he is not officially a member of the Browns. There has been no participation in any Browns football activity since minicamp, and the team has made no move to fill his spot or bring him into the fold. Reports indicate that Cleveland is in “no rush” to sign Judkins until the legal matter is resolved, noting that any signing could immediately be met with paid leave or an NFL personal conduct policy suspension.
With the NFL’s investigation still ongoing and the Browns declining to commit to his future, it has become exceedingly unlikely Judkins will play any football in 2025, even if the legal process is itself unresolved until next offseason.
August 14 Update: We finally have a resolution to the Judkins saga.
Sources: #Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins will not face any formal charges, as prosecutors have declined to move forward with the case.
This clears the way for him to return to the team, and I’m told that should likely happen in the near future. pic.twitter.com/H5wBxYIRvA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 14, 2025
With no formal charges filed, the case is over. This paves the way for Judkins to finally sign his rookie contract and become an active member of the NFL.
August 20 Update: It’s been just about a week since prosecutors decided to not move forward with the case against Judkins. Yet, he remains unsigned and there’s no report of a deal being imminent.
We are now a little over two weeks away from the start of the season and Judkins has not been able to participate in training camp at all. Additionally, we don’t yet have confirmation the NFL won’t discipline Judkins in some capacity. This appears to be holding up a deal, according to Adam Schefter.
Though Cleveland second-round pick Quinshon Judkins will not face any charges, he and the Browns still have been unable to reach a deal and may not until the end of any NFL investigation. pic.twitter.com/QzbE6j8tsK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2025
At this point, it’s impossible to imagine Judkins playing Week 1. Before Judkins gets on the field, it appears we need the NFL to conclude its investigation. We know these things often take time. Then, we need Judkins and the Browns to reach an agreement. Then, he needs to practice and integrate himself into the team. That’s a lot of “and thens.”
It’s hard to make a case for selecting Judkins in fantasy drafts. We’re likely looking at a committee back on one of the worst teams in football who won’t be startable for an indeterminate amount of time that is likely at least a third of the season, if not more. And fantasy managers can’t even stash him on IR.
Do you really want t oburn a roster spot on a player early in the season who has no chance at breaking out because he won’t be playing? It’s a hefty price to pay for a speculative rookie asset.
Quinshon Judkins’ Fantasy Outlook
Judkins entered the draft as one of the top running back prospects, coming off an all-conference junior season at Ohio State, where he racked up over 1,000 rushing yards and tallied 16 touchdowns. On paper, he was expected to compete for touches immediately behind a rebuilt Cleveland offensive line.
He’s just too fast Take another look at that 86-yard TD run from Quinshon Judkins. @ohiostatefb
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2024
Given that there was no legal finding of any wrongdoing, not even a case filed, Judkins will not be disciplined by the league. We should fully expect him to be ready for Week 1.
With that said, Judkins still hasn’t practiced at all this training camp. While it’s safe to say he’s been staying in shape, he is well behind when it comes to getting ready to be the Browns’ RB1 of the future.
Expect a slow ramp up for Judkins as he gets up to speed. He will become the lead back this year, likely by midseason, but we should see more of Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson in September.
Ford has experience as both a change-of-pace and featured back in previous seasons, making him the safest pick for Week 1 fantasy lineups. He’s not a league-winner but offers a reliable floor as a volume-based RB2 or flex play. Just know that he will immediately be operating on borrowed time.
As for Sampson, the Tennessee product was a fourth-round pick who impressed in his lone season as a starter, posting over 1,400 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. He has taken most of the first-team and rotational snaps in preseason action, and his combination of youth, explosiveness, and three-down skill set makes him a high-upside stash. Many expect Sampson’s role to grow as the season progresses, possibly overtaking Ford and becoming the RB2 right around the time at which Judkins assumes his role as RB1.
At this point, it’s hard to offer any concrete advice on where to rank or draft Judkins. We should get some insight as reporters speak to Browns coaches soon. That should help guide us as we approach the heart of fantasy draft season.
