Sports

Yes, the Personal Conduct Policy applies to Browns running back Quinshon Judkins, even if he hasn't signed his rookie deal. But the lack of a signed deal remains very relevant to the potential timing of a decision to use the Personal Conduct Policy to place Judkins on paid leave.

When it comes to paid leave, the NFL doesn't activate it until it has to. The thinking is simple — why create a negative story when there's no need to create a negative story?

Judkins's presence at Browns camp isn't relevant until he's under contract. If his holdout lingers into late July and August, there's no reason for the NFL to do anything. Then, if/when he signs the deal, they can activate the paid-leave provision of the Personal Conduct Policy.

Either way, it's the same result. Judkins is out of sight and, ideally, out of mind. Or, at a minimum, out of the mouths of broadcasters who are working Browns games.

Of course, there's a chance the NFL will decide based on its preliminary investigation that paid leave isn't justified. Based on the police report, however, the allegation that he punched a female with a closed fist in the mouth/chin area (leaving visible bruising) could be enough to get the NFL to move.

And we know, Browns fans. We know. Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice wasn't placed on paid leave after being charged with eight felony counts as a result of a Dallas-area street race. Traditionally, domestic violence allegations are far more likely to spark paid leave.

It happened last year to another Browns second-round pick from Ohio State. Defensive tackle Mike Hall was placed on paid leave within two weeks of being arrested for domestic violence.

So here's the possible timeline. One, Judkins signs his rookie contract. Two, Judkins prepares to show up for training camp. Three — in theory — the NFL tells him to not bother.

Browns running back Quinshon Judkins has yet to sign a contract. He's technically not employed by the Browns.

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?

The short answer? He just is.

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."

Judkins falls within that broad language.

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."

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.

Several big-name free agents remain without a home for 2025 as training camps approach. Von Miller is one of those.

The edge rusher, who the Bills cut on March 9, said this summer that he wants to continue his career.

NFL Network's Brian Baldinger, who played college football with Miller's agent, said Joby Branion told him Miller has "three very interested teams." Branion did not name the teams, according to Baldinger.

"I think Von feels like there's a pretty good chance he's going to sign some point either before camp or -- I mean, I don't think Von's too crazy about going to training camp," Baldinger told the DNVR Broncos podcast. "Most guys that age aren't. They know what they need to do. He looks in great shape. So, I would say he's going to get signed here [relatively soon]."

The Bills saved $8.4 million in salary cap space by cutting Miller, who signed a six-year, $120 million deal before the 2022 season. In three seasons in Buffalo, Miller played 36 of a possible 50 games and totaled 14 sacks, 41 tackles and 23 quarterback hits.

Miller is an eight-time Pro Bowler and a two-time Super Bowl champion.