Isaiah Bond Has Charges Dropped; Plans To Sign With the Cleveland Browns
Isaiah Bond, the former Texas and Alabama wide receiver who saw his NFL dreams temporarily derailed by legal troubles, just caught the break he desperately needed. The Collin County grand jury decided there was not enough evidence to move forward with sexual assault charges against Bond, effectively clearing his name and opening the door for his professional football career. Can he take advantage of the opportunity?
Bond Cleared Of All Criminal Charges
The legal nightmare that started in April, when the wide receiver turned himself in on an outstanding sexual assault warrant has officially come to an end. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis made it crystal clear in his statement: “After reviewing all the evidence presented, a Collin County grand jury returned a ‘no bill’ in the sexual assault charge involving Isaiah Bond, meaning no indictment will be issued. This concludes the criminal proceedings in this matter.”
For those keeping score at home, a “no bill” means the grand jury looked at everything the prosecution had and did not buy it. It is not just a slap on the wrist or a plea deal. It is a complete dismissal of the charges. Bond can finally breathe again, and more importantly, NFL teams can consider signing him without the legal cloud hanging overhead.
The whole ordeal began when he was accused of sexual assault following what started as a consensual encounter in February. According to court documents, the situation escalated when Bond allegedly continued with a specific act after the accuser said she wasn’t comfortable. He maintained his innocence throughout the process, calling the accusations “patently false” and even filing his own defamation lawsuit against his accuser. His lawsuit was later dismissed.
Cleveland Browns Show Interest In Bond
Here’s where things get interesting. Minutes after the legal news broke, Bond took to Instagram with a statement that had Browns fans doing double-takes. The wide receiver announced he plans to sign with Cleveland, thanking the organization “for believing in me” and expressing gratitude for the legal resolution.
But hold your horses, Cleveland fans. ESPN’s Adam Schefter quickly poured cold water on the celebration, reporting that no deal between Bond and the Browns has actually been finalized. Classic case of a player getting ahead of himself on social media? Probably. But it does show where his head is and which team has shown the most interest in giving him a second chance.
The Browns certainly fit the profile of a team that might take a flyer on Bond. They have never been shy about controversial signings, and their receiving corps could use some depth. Plus, his talent is undeniable.
Bond’s College Career Shows NFL Potential
Let’s not forget why teams were interested in Bond in the first place. This is not some scrub trying to cling to football relevance. During his time at Alabama and Texas, he proved he could play at the highest level of college football.
His final season at Texas in 2024 saw him haul in 34 catches for 540 yards and 5 touchdowns. Not earth-shattering numbers, but solid production that showed his ability to contribute in a major college offense. When you add his earlier work at Alabama, 65 catches for 888 yards and 5 touchdowns over two seasons, you are looking at a receiver with legitimate NFL potential.
Bond was considered a legitimate draft prospect before his legal troubles surfaced. CBS Sports had him ranked as their 67th overall prospect in the 2025 draft class. That is not superstar territory, but it’s definitely “worth a roster spot” range, especially for a team looking to add depth at the position.
The Road Back Won’t Be Easy
Here’s the reality check the wide receiver probably doesn’t want to hear. Even with the legal charges dismissed, his path to NFL success will be complicated. The court of public opinion does not operate on the same standards as actual courts, and there will always be questions about what really happened that February night.
NFL teams are notoriously risk-averse when it comes to character concerns, especially in today’s climate. Sure, the Browns might be willing to take a chance, but Bond will have to prove himself not just as a player, but as a person worthy of representing an NFL franchise.
The timing actually works in Bond’s favor, though. With preseason games underway and rosters still being finalized, there is an opportunity for him to get signed and show what he can do on the field. If he can stay out of trouble and produce when given the chance, this whole ordeal might just be a footnote in what could still be a successful professional career. His story serves as another reminder of how quickly things can change in the world of sports. One day, you are a promising draft prospect. The next day, you are facing serious criminal charges.
