The Cleveland Browns have a new rookie wide receiver, and that rookie receiver has a new jersey number. Two weeks ago, the Browns signed undrafted free agent (UDFA) rookie WR Isaiah Bond to a fully guaranteed, $3 million deal. The move came just before their third preseason game, and about a week before the final roster cut deadline.
Signing a UDFA to contract that large, let alone fully guaranteed, is unprecedented. It was a sign the Browns were excited to add him and had real plans for him — he wasn’t in danger of being cut when the roster was trimmed to 53 players. Sure enough, Bond is one of six receivers on the Browns’ initial roster, alongside starters Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Jamari Thrash; return specialist DeAndre Carter; and fellow UDFA Gage Larvadain. David Bell was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to start the season, and his eventual return could shake things up.
The most notable cut the Browns made at wide receiver was Diontae Johnson, once one of the Steelers’ top receivers. Johnson wore No. 16 with the Browns this summer, and with his departure, Bond has claimed that number. He wore No. 81 initially after signing with Cleveland.
Isaiah Bond Could Have a Real Role in This Cleveland Browns Offense
Nick Cammett/GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 23: Isaiah Bond #81 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Browns clearly saw something they liked in Bond, enough to sign him to a significant contract even though he never participated in training camp. Jeudy and Tillman are locked in as the top two options in this passing attack, and TE David Njoku is certain to have a major role as well.
But Bond offers a unique skillset. His dynamic speed in space makes him a difficult cover for even NFL-caliber cornerbacks. His junior year at Texas was a letdown affter a breakout was expected, with only 34 receptions for 540 yards and five touchdowns. But if Cleveland can unlock his potential, he can be a weapon in their offense.
Uncertainty at Quarterback Could Limit Browns’ Receivers’ Production
However, the other side of the coin is that it could be an uphill battle for receivers to stand out in Cleveland this year. The Browns’ quarterback room isn’t exactly expected to light it up. Joe Flacco is the starter, and the 40-year-old led Cleveland to the playoffs back in 2023. However, he spent last season with the Colts, and struggled mightily when called upon to start games. He looked like age was catching up to him, though he could have a bounce-back season.
Then there are the two rookies. Gabriel was the better of the two between training camp and the preseason, and his higher draft stock also makes for a more significant investment. It’s a matter of when, not if, we’ll see one of the rookies, and Gabriel was named the backup. But there’s a good chance we’ll see both start games for Cleveland this season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Rookie WR Makes Change Heading Into 2025 Season appeared first on Heavy Sports.