The Cleveland Browns added wide receiver Isaiah Bond in a move that was met with backlash.
So when pressed for more information, Browns general manager Andrew Berry released a statement Monday detailing the team’s decision to sign the controversial former University of Texas rookie.
Bond was arrested after an alleged non-consensual encounter with a woman in April, but a Texas grand jury voted not to indict him on the charges last week.
The 5-11, 180-pound speedster had 540 yards and five touchdowns for Texas last year and rushed for 99 yards and a TD in 2024 as well.
Why Did The Browns Sign Isaiah Bond?
The Browns could use wideouts, and Bond has a tie to Cleveland, since he played for offensive coordinator Tommy Rees at the University of Alabama in 2023 — Bond played his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa before transferring to Texas in 2024, when Rees left Alabama for the Browns.
But still reeling from the controversial second-round selection of running back Quinshon Judkins, Berry said he did his due diligence before making the call to sign Bond.
“We’ve spent much of the calendar year getting to know Isaiah as a player and professional,” Berry said in a statement. “On the legal side, we have done extensive research that includes but is not limited to hearing both sides of the case and receiving the results of an independently administered polygraph [test].”
Berry stated having a character witness like Rees played a huge part into the Browns’ decision to take a chance on Bond — who they reportedly gave a three-year contract to. But Berry was also adamant about letting Bond’s case play out before signing him.
“Before the allegations, we spent a great deal of time with Isaiah during the draft process,” Berry said. “With his legal process resolved, Isaiah is focused on learning from this experience while moving forward in his life and career.”
What Did Isaiah Bond Say About Signing With Cleveland?
Bond was projected as a mid-round pick before this episode came into the public conscious just before the draft. With the case behind him, he is ecstatic to get a chance to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL.
“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. “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 live my childhood dream.”
Bond could fill in nicely as a big-play threat for the skill-deficient Browns offense, especially since Rees already knows how to deploy him. Bond set career highs in catches (48) and yards (668) in his one season with Rees.
But, according to Bond, becoming an important player on the field is only part of his goals as a member of the Browns.
“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.”
