As the excitement of training camp approaches, the Cleveland Browns are bracing for some unexpected news regarding their second-round rookie running back, Quinshon Judkins. While most rookies will report on Friday, it appears Judkins won’t be joining them. This absence is tied not just to the typical negotiation over contract terms but also to pressing legal matters that demand his attention.
Reports indicate that Judkins has yet to sign his rookie contract, which is expected but still a necessary formality. However, the stakes are higher here than just the standard effort for a fully guaranteed deal. Judkins is reportedly prioritizing his legal issues at this time, casting a shadow over the start of his professional career.
Going beyond the contract discussions, there’s a suggestion that the Browns are preparing for the possibility of the NFL placing Judkins on paid leave pending the resolution of these legal matters. Whether or not he signs on the dotted line, it seems unlikely that he will be present among his fellow rookies as they kick off their journey. It could be in everyone’s best interest for Judkins to resolve these challenges as swiftly as possible, allowing him to face whatever suspension may come and moving forward with a clear conscience as he transitions into professional football.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on how the Browns navigate this situation, both in terms of their roster and the future of Judkins as he looks to hit the ground running—hopefully without the weight of these ongoing issues. As training camp unfolds, it will be a crucial time for the franchise to adapt while waiting for clarity on their promising rookie’s situation.