The Cleveland Browns are signing former rookie receiver Isaiah Bond, who was no-billed by a grand jury after his April arrest on a sexual assault charge.
Bond, once projected as a mid-round pick, went undrafted after his stock plummeted following an April arrest on a sexual assault warrant in Texas. He did participate in the NFL combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds. However, no team wanted to take a shot on Bond with his legal situation unfolding.
Bond released a statement saying he had signed with the Browns shortly after he was cleared of the charges on Thursday.
First and foremost, 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. Football has been my passion since I was six years old, and playing at this level is a blessing I will never take for granted,” Bond said. I understand that playing in the NFL is a privilege, and I’m thankful every day to live my childhood dream.
Bond said he won’t discuss the details of the case but reiterated that he “refuted the allegations and maintained my innocence” from the start.
“My focus now is on football. Learning this offense, building strong relationships with my teammates, and making significant contributions within the Cleveland community,” Bond said. I’m determined to prove the Browns organization and everyone who believes in me right for putting their trust in me.
Browns Signing Isaiah Bond Draws Viral Reaction
The Browns have found themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this offseason. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins faced domestic violence allegations, while defensive star Myles Garrett and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders have both been cited for speeding. Quarterback Deshaun Watson also continues to draw criticism for the off-field conduct that led to his 11-game suspension in 2022.
Against that backdrop, Cleveland’s decision to sign Bond drew a familiar reaction online.
“Great pickup, also not surprised at all we were the ones to sign him,” one fan wrote, adding a crying-laughing emoji. Another noted, “The Browns could very well fill an entire roster filled with off-the-field problems.” A third summed it up simply: “Well, the Browns definitely have a type.”
Bond addresses a clear need for Cleveland. The Browns opted not to draft a wide receiver despite their thin depth chart. If the rookie can pick up the offense quickly, he could contribute sooner rather than later.
Browns RB Quinshon Judkins Won’t Be Charged
The Browns are also expected to get Judkins back in the mix soon after it was announced that he would not be facing charges in his domestic violence case.
The Broward State Attorney’s office in South Florida announced the decision on Thursday that it would decline to formally charge Judkins.
“This incident was not captured on any video surveillance. There are no independent witnesses to the incident. Although the victim had photos showing injuries sustained, there were also videos in that same time frame where no injuries were observed to the victim,” the explanation read.
The NFL is still reviewing Judkins’ situation, per cleveland.com. Judkins — a second-round pick — is the only unsigned rookie in the NFL.
Browns Fans All Have the Same Reaction to Isaiah Bond Signing