Browns Eye Former Texas Receiver Isaiah Bond Following Dropped Charges
The Cleveland Browns are reportedly considering adding a speedy young player to their offensive roster. Isaiah Bond, a former wide receiver from the University of Texas, has announced his intention to sign with the team after a sexual assault case against him was dismissed. Bond, who was once considered a promising prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, saw his draft stock plummet following his arrest in April.
Bond’s Statement and the Browns’ Interest
Bond released a statement expressing his gratitude to the Browns for giving him an opportunity to pursue his NFL career. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Cleveland Browns for believing in me and allowing me the opportunity to continue my career in the NFL,” Bond stated. “I’m determined to prove the Browns organisation and everyone who believes in me right for putting their trust in me.”
While Bond has stated his intention to sign, reports indicate that the deal is not yet finalised. However, the Browns’ interest is clear, and the potential addition of Bond would add another layer of intrigue to their already eventful off-season.
Background on the Charges and Dismissal
Bond’s legal troubles stemmed from an arrest in April on an outstanding sexual assault warrant. He was subsequently released from jail after posting bail. Bond maintained his innocence from the outset, stating that the accusations against him were “patently false.”
The case took a significant turn when a Collin County grand jury decided not to indict Bond, effectively dropping the criminal charges. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis confirmed this in a statement, stating that after reviewing all the evidence presented, the grand jury returned a “no bill,” meaning no indictment would be issued.
College Career and Draft Prospects
Prior to his arrest, Bond was projected as a mid-round pick in the NFL Draft. His speed and athleticism made him an attractive prospect for many teams. He spent two seasons at Alabama before transferring to Texas for the 2024 season.
Here’s a summary of Bond’s college statistics:
- 2022 (Alabama): 13 Games, 17 Receptions, 220 Receiving Yards, 12.9 YPC, 1 TD
- 2023 (Alabama): 14 Games, 48 Receptions, 668 Receiving Yards, 13.9 YPC, 4 TDs
- 2024 (Texas): 14 Games, 34 Receptions, 540 Receiving Yards, 15.9 YPC, 5 TDs
- Totals: 41 Games, 99 Receptions, 1,428 Receiving Yards, 14.4 YPC, 10 TDs
Bond’s Speed and Combine Performance
Bond’s speed was a major talking point leading up to the NFL Draft. He ran an official 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine, which was tied for ninth among wide receivers. Before the combine, Bond expressed confidence in breaking the record, even suggesting he could run a 4.10 if he was “feeling great.”
He highlighted his speed as a key differentiator, stating, “What separates me from the rest of the draft class is the sheer speed. There’s not a receiver that has the speed and capabilities that I have.” He also emphasised that he was a complete wide receiver with excellent route-running skills.
Browns’ Wide Receiver Depth Chart
If Bond joins the Browns, he will be entering a crowded wide receiver room. The current unofficial depth chart looks like this:
- Jerry Jeudy
- Cedric Tillman
- Jamari Thrash
- Diontae Johnson
- David Bell
- DeAndre Carter
Jeudy is considered the team’s number one receiver after a productive season. Tillman is expected to have a bigger role this season, while Thrash has generated some positive buzz during training camp. Veterans like Johnson and Carter provide additional depth and experience.
Bond’s Potential Role and Impact
Given that Bond would be joining the team as an undrafted free agent who missed a significant portion of training camp, he faces a challenging path to earning playing time early in the season. He will need time to get up to speed with the Browns’ offensive system and prove himself in practice.
While his talent is undeniable, expectations for Bond should be tempered initially. However, as the season progresses, he could potentially work his way up the depth chart and contribute to the team’s offense. He could potentially surpass players like Johnson, Carter, Bell, and Thrash with strong performance and development.
Other Off-Season Storylines for the Browns
The potential signing of Bond adds another layer to an off-season already filled with intriguing storylines for the Browns. The team’s quarterback situation, involving Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, has been a major talking point. Additionally, the status of running back Quinshon Judkins, who remains unsigned due to a domestic battery case, has also been closely followed.