Let’s be real for a second. Most rookie deals in the NFL are pretty boring. You get drafted, the league’s slotting system does its thing, and you sign on the dotted line. But the quinshon judkins nfl contract update we’re looking at in early 2026 isn't exactly a copy-paste job.
Cleveland fans were sweating bullets back in September 2025. Remember that? Judkins, the 36th overall pick out of Ohio State, was the very last rookie from his class to actually sign. Usually, that screams "holdout" or "diva behavior," but the reality was a lot more complicated. Legal hurdles and a lingering NFL investigation kept the ink dry until just one day before the season opener against the Bengals.
Honestly, the contract he eventually signed is a massive win for a second-round running back. He secured a four-year, $11,402,136 fully guaranteed deal. You don't often see "fully guaranteed" and "second round" in the same sentence unless there’s some serious leverage involved.
Why the quinshon judkins nfl contract update matters right now
We are officially in 2026. The Browns are looking at their books, and Judkins is no longer just "the rookie." He’s a core component of the offense. For the 2026 season, Judkins is set to count $2,591,391 against the salary cap.
That is basically peanuts.
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Compare that to what top-tier veteran backs are making, and Cleveland has a absolute steal on their hands. His base salary for this year sits at $1,358,279. When you factor in the prorated portion of his $4,932,460 signing bonus, you see why Andrew Berry is considered a cap wizard. He’s got a starting-caliber back (when healthy) making a fraction of the market rate.
The injury factor and the "Dead Money" trap
Life in the NFL moves fast. Judkins had a wild rookie year—three touchdowns against the Dolphins in Week 7, but then that brutal dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16. Because his contract is fully guaranteed, the Browns are tethered to him regardless of how that rehab goes.
If they were to somehow move on from him today (which they won't), they’d be staring at a $9,329,019 dead cap hit. That’s the "update" no one talks about. The guarantee protects the player, but it limits the team's flexibility if the injury bug keeps biting.
Breaking down the numbers (The boring but important stuff)
You've probably heard agents talk about "Total Value" versus "Real Money." For Judkins, they are the same thing. Because every cent of the $11.4 million is guaranteed, he’s already pocketed over **$5.7 million** in career cash as we sit here in January 2026.
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- Average Annual Value (AAV): $2,850,534
- 2026 Cap Hit: $2.59M
- 2027 Cap Hit: $3.11M
- 2028 Cap Hit: $3.63M
Basically, his cost to the team increases by about half a million bucks every year. By the time 2028 rolls around, he’ll be 25 years old and looking for a massive extension. If he bounces back from the ankle injury and plays like the guy who averaged 5.5 yards per carry at Ohio State, that $11.4 million deal will look like the best bargain in the AFC North.
The "Ohio State" Tax?
It’s funny, isn't it? The Browns love their Buckeyes. Between Judkins and guys like Harold Fannin Jr., the roster is starting to look like Columbus North. Some analysts thought Judkins might sneak into the late first round, especially after that 1,060-yard season for the National Champion Buckeyes in 2024. Falling to pick 36 actually cost him about $4 million over the life of the deal compared to being a late first-rounder, but the "fully guaranteed" status of his Browns deal is a rare concession for a second-round pick.
The investigation that almost stalled everything
You can't talk about the quinshon judkins nfl contract update without mentioning the drama before it was signed. Todd France, his agent at Athletes First, had to navigate a minefield. The Browns held off on signing him while the NFL conducted an investigation into a personal conduct policy violation.
No charges were filed. Prosecutors walked away. But the NFL? They take their sweet time. Judkins actually served a two-game roster exemption at the start of the 2025 season. Most fans forget that because he came back and immediately started spinning through tackles.
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The fact that the Browns still guaranteed the whole deal despite the "off-field" noise shows how much they believe in his talent. It wasn't just a football decision; it was a financial gamble that he’d stay on the straight and narrow.
What happens next?
As we move deeper into the 2026 offseason, the focus shifts to the training room. A fractured fibula is no joke for a guy whose game relies on explosive cuts. The Browns have Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson in that room, but Judkins is the alpha when he’s right.
If you're a fan or a dynasty manager, keep an eye on his "active" status. His contract runs through 2029, making him an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) in the 2029 cycle.
Actionable Insights for 2026:
- Cap Perspective: Expect the Browns to stay quiet in the RB free agent market. With Judkins' low cap hit, they don't need to overspend elsewhere.
- Roster Moves: Watch for a potential restructure in 2027 if they need to clear room for a Myles Garrett extension, though rookie deals are harder to tweak.
- Health Watch: The fully guaranteed nature of his deal means he will be on the roster in 2026, regardless of his recovery speed. There is no financial incentive to cut him.
The quinshon judkins nfl contract update is a reminder that in the NFL, "guaranteed" is the only word that matters. He’s got the bag; now he just needs to get back on the field.