Only two players from 2025 NFL Draft remain unsigned due to controversy

Quinshon Judkins working out with the Cleveland Browns during rookie minicamp (2025)
Quinshon Judkins working out with the Cleveland Browns during rookie minicamp (2025)Nick Cammett/Getty Images/AFP
Out of the 257 picks from the 2025 NFL Draft, only two players remained unsigned due to controversy - Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart and Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins.

Stewart, the 17th overall pick, remains unsigned due to major contract disputes in guaranteed money.

Latest reports detail that Stewart and his agent want the Bengals to make the deal fully guaranteed, even if Stewart receives disciplinary actions against the league for anything he does off the field throughout his career. 

Bengals owner Mike Brown is standing on his words that their demands are ridiculous, stating, "It's never going to happen."

Stewart went back to Texas A&M's campus to run practice drills, according to head coach Mike Elko. 

Speculation was revolving around Stewart pulling the rare possibility of going back to college for a year and re-entering the draft in 2026. 

However, Elko reassured everyone, after talking to Stewart, saying, "There's no intention of Shemar playing for the Aggies this year."

Judkins Arrested

Staying in the AFC North, Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (21) was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge in Florida earlier this month.

Judkins was later released on $2,500 bond and told to avoid all contact with the victim. 

The Ohio State running back and 36th overall pick in the 2025 draft was already holding out on signing a deal with the Browns for more guaranteed money. Now, he might not receive any as he could also miss playing time under NFL disciplinary rules.

Judkins posted 3,785 career rushing yards with 45 rushing touchdowns in his three years in college. 

Judkins was part of the Ohio State team that went on to win the NCAA Championship over Notre Dame, a game in which Judkins outshone his running back teammate, TreVeyon Henderson, by posting 121 combined yards and three combined touchdowns.