The players selected just before and just after Judkins signed fully guaranteed deals. Legal charges can void guarantees overall, but Judkins was not signed to a contract at the start of his legal process. It is possible that Judkins’ agent is now pushing for his deal to be guaranteed, while the team has some reasons to be cautious in how the contract is worded.
The NFL tends to go through its process at its own speed. For example, Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice was involved in a high-speed car accident in March of 2024, but won’t face a disciplinary hearing with the NFL until September 30th.
It is possible that this report by Schefter was put out to create pressure on one side from the other, as well.
We will keep you up to date with Judkins’ contract discussions as we have credible information to report.