Quinshon Judkins Faces Personal Conduct Policy Drama Before Even Signing Contract—What’s Really Going On?

Quinshon Judkins, the Browns’ promising running back, finds himself in an unusual spot—not quite signed, not quite off the team roster. You might be scratching your head, wondering: how on earth does the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy reach a player who hasn’t officially inked a contract yet? The truth is, the league’s grip is broader and tighter than most realize. Whether you’re fresh out of college, undrafted, or simply in negotiations, the NFL casts a wide net to hold players accountable, no matter the timing of the alleged incident. This means Judkins is squarely in the league’s purview, even for matters that predate any formal agreement with the Browns. It’s a complex dance of rules and responsibilities, reflecting the NFL’s relentless move to police conduct on and off the field—past, present, and future.
Judkins falls within that broad language.

LEARN MOREThe short answer? He just is.As recently explained in connection with the sexual assault lawsuit filed against Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston for something that allegedly happened in 2021, the policy potentially applies even to conduct occurring while the player is in college, before he ever declares for the NFL draft: “Nothing in this Policy should be read to limit the league’s authority to investigate or discipline potential Policy violations alleged to have occurred before a player is under contract or Draft-eligible.”As a result, many have asked a simple question: How can Judkins be subject to the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy after being arrested on Saturday for misdemeanor domestic battery?So, yes, the policy applies to Judkins for something that allegedly happened in July 2025. It also would have applied, potentially, to something that allegedly happened in July 2024. Or July 2023. Or earlier.

Browns running back Quinshon Judkins has yet to sign a contract. He’s technically not employed by the Browns.He’s the slightly longer answer, from the Personal Conduct Policy: “The provisions below apply to players under contract; all rookie players selected in the NFL College Draft; all undrafted rookie players following the NFL College Draft; all Draft-eligible players who attend a Scouting Combine or Pro Day or otherwise make themselves available for employment in the NFL; all unsigned veterans who were under contract in the prior League Year; and all other prospective players once they commence negotiations with a club concerning employment or otherwise make themselves available for employment in the NFL.”