Cleveland Browns to sign WR Isaiah Bond after being no-billed in sexual assault case

Thursday brought news of former Alabama and Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond being no-billed in the sexual assault case against him. Bond will face no further charges, giving him the opportunity to sign with an NFL team. And shortly after the legal news broke, Bond announced his intention to sign with the Cleveland Browns.

“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,” Bond said in a statement. “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. I understand that playing in the NFL is a privilege, and I’m thankful every day to love my childhood dream.

“I know there have been questions and reports about the recent allegations. I am grateful for the decision of the prosecutor and the courts not to pursue charges. I will learn from this experience as I grow in wisdom, character, and faith. On the advice of my attorney, I will not discuss the details of this case, but I want to be clear: from the very beginning I have refuted these allegations and maintained my innocence. I stand firm by that today.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter added some more color to the situation. Turns out, there has not been an official agreement between Bond and the Browns quite yet.

“Isaiah Bond announced he plans to sign with the Cleveland Browns, but no deal has been finalized, per sources,” Schefter said via X.

Bond began his career in Tuscaloosa with the Alabama Crimson Tide, famously being on the receiving end of the 4th and 31 throw from Jalen Milroe against Auburn. He then decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal, putting his name on the open market. Eventually, Bond landed with Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns.

He played in 14 games for Texas but did not have a big season like many projected. Bond caught 34 passes for 540 yards and five touchdowns — the latter of which was a career high.

Legal issues were why teams decided to pass on him in the 2025 NFL Draft. Now, with those behind him, Bond is hoping to find some consistency in football. If a deal can get over the line, the Browns will be the first NFL team to offer him an opportunity.