Cleveland Browns Rookie Quinshon Judkins Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge, Casting Uncertainty Over Team’s Backfield Plans

The Cleveland Browns find themselves facing yet another offseason clouded by off-field controversy after rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in connection with an alleged case of domestic violence. According to Broward County inmate records, Judkins faces a charge of battery involving domestic violence by “touch or strike.”

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At this stage, details surrounding the incident remain scarce. The Browns, for their part, have acknowledged the situation but stopped short of offering specifics.

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“We are aware of the situation and are gathering information,”

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a team spokesperson told the Akron Beacon Journal’s Chris Easterling.

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For Cleveland, this development arrives at a particularly precarious time. The franchise, already reeling from back-to-back season-ending injuries to star running back Nick Chubb and his eventual departure in free agency, had pinned significant hopes on Judkins to help anchor a revamped ground game. The 20-year-old was selected early in the second round of April’s draft — a clear signal that the front office viewed him as a foundational piece of the offense’s future.

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Judkins’ collegiate résumé certainly justified that optimism. He made an immediate splash at Ole Miss, amassing 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns on the ground over two seasons before transferring to Ohio State. There, he continued to prove his mettle, rushing for 1,060 yards and 14 scores while helping the Buckeyes secure a national championship.

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The Browns’ backfield situation is now further complicated by this unexpected turn of events. In the wake of Chubb’s departure, fourth-year back Jerome Ford was expected to share lead duties with Judkins. The front office also added Dylan Sampson — a fourth-round pick out of Tennessee — to bolster depth and provide competition in what was shaping up to be one of the more intriguing position battles of training camp.

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Now, the franchise must grapple with the possibility of losing its prized rookie for an undetermined stretch, depending on how the legal process unfolds and whether the NFL’s personal conduct policy results in disciplinary action. Historically, the league has shown a willingness to act swiftly — and sometimes harshly — in domestic violence cases, even in the absence of formal convictions.

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This is not the first time the Browns have navigated sensitive terrain involving a player’s off-field conduct. In recent years, the franchise has been criticized for its handling of other high-profile situations, including the acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson while he faced multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. For an organization that has pledged to rebuild trust with its fanbase, Judkins’ arrest will likely reignite scrutiny about the team’s due diligence in evaluating players’ character during the draft process.

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Beyond the immediate legal implications, the Browns’ on-field plans could be disrupted if they’re forced to lean more heavily on Ford, Sampson, or even a veteran free-agent addition should Judkins miss significant time. While Ford flashed promise when called upon last season, he has yet to prove himself as a true workhorse over a full campaign. Sampson, meanwhile, is untested at the NFL level, and there are few remaining options in free agency that offer the upside Judkins was expected to provide.

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From a broader perspective, Judkins’ arrest underscores the NFL’s ongoing struggle to address incidents of domestic violence consistently and effectively. Despite years of revised policies, enhanced educational programs, and public statements condemning abuse, domestic violence remains a stain on the league’s image. High-profile cases continue to surface, often leaving teams scrambling to balance competitive needs with public accountability.

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As of now, the timeline for resolving Judkins’ case remains unclear. The Browns will likely take a cautious approach while the legal process plays out, but if history is any guide, they will need to be prepared to adapt quickly. For a franchise aiming to contend in a loaded AFC North, any disruption to the running game — one of Cleveland’s historical cornerstones — could have a ripple effect that lingers well into the season.

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In the coming weeks, the spotlight will remain fixed on both Judkins and the Browns’ front office. How they handle this latest test will speak volumes about whether the organization has learned from past controversies — and whether it can truly build a winning culture that balances talent with accountability.