Browns RB Quinshon Judkins prolongs his court hearing; still without a contract

USA Today

6 days ago

In a new twist to the ongoing legal situation surrounding Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, his defense attorney has filed to waive his right to a speedy trial.
The move, filed in connection with an alleged misdemeanor charge of battery and domestic violence from a July 12 incident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has raised eyebrows of all parties invested in the ongoing situation. As of now, there is no clear resolution in sight, with a variety of possibilities that may transpire.
A close look at the filing, brought to light by attorney Drew Davenport on X, reveals the waiver is for 175 days. This is a significant detail because, in Florida, the speedy trial limit for a misdemeanor is 90 days, while the limit for a felony is 175 days. The disparity raises questions about whether the defense is preparing for the possibility of an elevated charge. Keep in mind, while interesting, this distinction does not indicate that the charges are now felonies.
The move may just be in place to avoid any overlap between the court proceedings and the 2025 NFL season. This legal maneuvering could have a major impact on Judkins's rookie season and his contract negotiations with the Browns. The precedent for players playing while awaiting trial exists, most notably with Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice. Rice was on track to play the entire 2024 season after a high-speed hit-and-run in March of that year, but a knee injury ultimately sidelined him.
After a legal decision earlier this offseason, the NFL suspended Rice for three games. This scenario, where Judkins could potentially play the 2025 season before serving a suspension, is a possibility, provided he is not placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List.
However, a major hurdle remains. Judkins has yet to sign his rookie contract. This legal situation has completely shifted the leverage in contract negotiations. Judkins, like many other second-round picks in a historical year for rookie contracts, was reportedly seeking a fully guaranteed deal. His fellow Browns rookie, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, secured a fully guaranteed contract, setting a new precedent for second-round picks. Now, Judkins's contract is likely to be an outlier, with the Browns holding all the power to negotiate less favorable terms.
If Judkins remains unsigned, he cannot return to college. Instead, he would forfeit his offered contract and re-enter the NFL Draft the following year, a path that has not been taken by a high-profile player in recent memory. As the legal process unfolds and the preseason continues, all eyes will be on how the Browns and Judkins's representation navigate this complex situation.