The Opening Drive 8/20: Thoughts on the Quinshon Judkins Contractual Impasse
Why the situation remains complex for both sides.
Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Opening Drive. On Tuesday, Kevin Stefanski took to the podium to discuss dress rehearsal week. It’s always interesting to see the wide range of approaches to the preseason across the league. While many teams have already played their starters and will treat this week like the old fourth preseason game—resting key players—the Browns plan to play some of theirs.
Joe Flacco spoke to the media for the first time as the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, expressing his eagerness to get on the field Saturday to prepare for the year ahead. However, the sight of Browns star cornerback Denzel Ward leaving Tuesday’s practice with a shoulder injury may force Stefanski to reconsider who plays, and for how long.
Newly acquired wide receiver Isaiah Bond also spoke to the media and participated in practice. Although he just joined the team, his fully guaranteed $3.018 million contract over three years makes him a near lock for the roster before even setting foot on the grass in Berea.
Meanwhile, Andrew Berry and the front office are likely putting in extra hours ahead of roster cutdowns. With more than 1,000 players set to hit the market in a short period, the Browns hold the second overall waiver claim. How active they are after the initial wave remains to be seen, but with secondary depth a possible concern, they could look to add help if the right player becomes available.
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Adam Schefter reported that the Cleveland Browns and Quinshon Judkins are currently at an impasse in contract negotiations. They may not reach an agreement until the NFL concludes its investigation. This situation is disappointing, especially after it was initially anticipated that the Browns would quickly bring Judkins into the facility and onto the practice field, given that prosecutors in Broward County, Florida, decided not to pursue criminal charges against him.
The NFL is investigating the alleged assault involving Judkins. Although the Browns are hopeful he will avoid suspension, the contractual implications remain complex.
The amount Judkins will earn is not in question. Under the NFL’s rookie pay scale, he is set to receive a four-year, $11.389 million contract, according to overthecap.com. The concern likely centers on the guaranteed money, since both the players drafted immediately before and after Judkins secured fully guaranteed deals. While Judkins appeared to have lost leverage during the legal process, the dismissal of charges has strengthened his position, and his representatives are once again pushing for a fully guaranteed contract.
Still, with the precedent set by surrounding draft picks and the predetermined pay scale, those factors are unlikely to be the real sticking point. Instead, the dispute likely centers on contract language. Given the uncertainty of a potential suspension, the standard provisions that void guarantees after league-sanctioned discipline have become a key point of contention. The wording regarding suspensions or future discipline is critical, particularly with the NFL’s investigation ongoing. Important factors—such as the alleged victim’s willingness to cooperate with the league and any potential civil action—remain unclear.
When analyzed through that tricky scope, it’s understandable that both Judkins and the Browns are struggling to agree on language that protects each party’s interests. The unpredictability of the NFL in these situations is likely the main barrier to reaching a deal, rather than financial considerations. While the Browns want Judkins back and the rookie wants to be on the field, business has to be handled first. Unfortunately the business here it complicated. Buckle up, because this still might take a while.
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Browns Film Breakdown will return later today with the 53-Man Defense Projection.
Brad joining the BFB is epic! You and Jake are a perfect combination . Good luck my brother. Keep it a buck!