Browns Sign Judkins, but Uncertainty Remains

The Cleveland Browns officially announced the signing of rookie running back Quinshon Judkins earlier today. The deal is reportedly a four-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth over $11 million.

The team didn't need to make a corresponding roster move to make room for Judkins, as they will be given a two-game exemption from the 53-man roster. While this is one significant step closer to getting the 36th overall pick in last year's draft on the field, there is still uncertainty surrounding his status with the NFL.

In theory, the Browns could activate Judkins for next week if they feel he is up to speed after sitting out the entire preseason and training camp. If he plays at all in Week Two, it would most certainly be a minimal number of snaps to begin ramping him up.

It's much more likely that Cleveland utilizes the full two-game exemption issued by the league. All of this can become irrelevant if the league decides to discipline Judkins for his arrest in July of a domestic dispute which the charges were later dropped.

At this time, the situation is still under investigation by the NFL, but it makes me wonder if the Browns received some additional clarity based on the timing of the deal being reached.