Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Cleveland Browns may have scored some help right before training camp begins, and they may need to be send a thank you to another NFL team

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 2:26 PM ET

The latest news surrounding the Cleveland Browns and rookie running back Quinshon Judkins hasn’t been encouraging. However, the team may be on the brink of some good news.

There has been a logjam with second-round contracts across the NFL, but a few dominos have started to fall.

The San Francisco 49ers signed defensive tackle Alfred Collins, the No. 43 overall pick in this year’s draft , to a four-year deal worth $10.3 million, with $9 million guaranteed. Also, the Chicago Bears crossed the line with DT Shemar Turner on a contract. So far, Cleveland linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins are the only two second-round picks to sign fully guaranteed contracts. With Collins and Turner receiving deals that were not fully guaranteed, it could open the door for more second-round contracts to get finalized.

The #Bears and second-round DT Shemar Turner have agreed to terms on his four-year rookie contract, source says, as the logjam slowly begins to open up. pic.twitter.com/d7Xkjgcduy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 17, 2025

Judkins, the No. 36 pick, may still go unsigned for some time in part due to his ongoing legal issue, which complicates the possibility of him receiving a fully guaranteed deal. Regardless of the legal outcome, having a run-in with law enforcement before signing an NFL contract is a very bad look.

Browns rookies are scheduled to report on Friday, and with the legal matter, the team likely won’t be in a hurry to get Judkins on the field. Without a signed contract, he won’t be allowed to participate in training camp anyway. That said, the Browns should feel optimistic about getting a deal done soon, especially now that other second-round contracts without full guarantees are being signed around the league.

Cleveland is transitioning out of the Nick Chubb era and leaning into a youth movement with Judkins and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson . Judkins is expected to compete for the starting running back role from Day 1 alongside Jerome Ford — but first, he needs to get on the field.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: