The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 rookie class, which includes Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, is highly impressive, but wide receiver Isaiah Bond stands out. His role has steadily increased from playing 21 snaps in Week 1 to a career-high 43 in Week 3. In Week 4, he recorded three catches for 58 yards, highlighted by a 35-yard sideline grab against Amik Robertson.
As Week 5 approaches, it’s worth revisiting why Bond went undrafted at the NFL Draft and how he eventually landed a massive deal with the Browns.
How Good Was Isaiah Bond in College?
Bond made a name for himself as a dynamic wide receiver at the collegiate level. Over three seasons at Alabama (2022–23) and Texas (2024), he recorded 99 receptions for 1,428 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns, averaging 14.4 yards per catch.
He also contributed in the running game with 101 rushing yards for 2.5 yards per carry and one touchdown, bringing his total scrimmage production to 1,529 yards and 11 touchdowns.
PFSN Scout Ian Cummings praised him as an “explosive wide receiver with game-breaking speed who can stretch the field or create separation underneath.” Despite his talent, off-field issues contributed to him going undrafted.
Why Bond Went Undrafted
Despite optimistic scout reports, Bond’s troubles with the law before the 2025 NFL Draft created uncertainty for teams in selecting him. He was projected as a mid-round pick in the draft but went undrafted after being arrested on a sexual-assault charge just two weeks before the big event.
Details of the arrest were limited, and Bond maintained the allegations were untrue. He turned himself in on the warrant issued by the Frisco Police Department. He was released after posting a $25,000 bail.
The incident, which was reported widely in national media, led many franchises to remove him from their draft boards, wary of potential legal issues or league suspensions. This decision effectively caused him to slide from a projected mid-round pick to an undrafted free agent.
On April 15, Bond filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Northern Texas, alleging he was a victim of “false allegations and coercion attempts.” Following that, a Texas grand jury “no-billed” Bond, finding insufficient evidence to press charges. Soon after, he announced he would sign with the Cleveland Browns.
Why Did the Cleveland Browns Sign Bond Despite Risk
The Browns didn’t immediately finalize Bond’s deal. GM Andrew Berry explained that the team conducted a thorough vetting process, including an independent polygraph test. They reviewed input from both sides of the case and considered Bond’s pre-draft interactions and his relationship with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees before moving forward.
Bond signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $3.018 million deal — more than 10 times the guarantee for any other 2025 undrafted free agent, far above the typical $350,000 ceiling for undrafted contracts.
As the 1-3 Browns head into Week 5, Bond is the starting WR2 in the depth chart and primary punt returner, with a secondary role on kick returns. With Jerry Jeudy as the only established WR1, Bond has a clear path to a bigger role and could become a key weapon in Dillon Gabriel’s offense as Cleveland looks to turn its season around.
