The Cleveland Browns have officially announced the signing of undrafted rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond.
The Browns inked Bond to a three-year deal worth a fully guaranteed $3.018 million, per cleveland.com. The years and salary acknowledge that the Browns view him more as a draft pick rather than a typical undrafted free agent signing.
“I’m super excited to be a Cleveland Brown,” Bond told cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. “After my top 30 pre-draft visit, this is where I always wanted to be. Unfortunately, things were delayed, but thanks to Mr. (Jimmy) Haslam, Mr. (Andrew) Berry, Coach (Kevin) Stefanski and Coach (Tommy) Rees, I’m signed and ready to get to work with my new teammates. #DawgPound4Life.”
Bond was a polarizing name during the draft process due to some off-field trouble. He was arrested in April after a woman alleged a non-consensual encounter. Some had Bond projected as a mid-round pick but he went undrafted as teams awaited the case’s outcome. After reviewing the evidence, a grand jury returned a no-bill — declining to indict — on Thursday, clearing the way for him to sign immediately with any team as an undrafted free agent.
Browns Add Speed Element With Isaiah Bond
Bond will have a chance to make a quick impact with the Browns, who are in need of a speedy threat in their thin wide receiver corps. He clocked an impressive 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, showcasing the speed that could make him an immediate difference-maker.
“What separates me from the rest of the draft class is the sheer speed,” Bond said at the combine. “There’s not a receiver that has the speed and capabilities that I have. It’s not just speed; I’m a complete wide receiver. I have amazing routes. If you watch the tape, you’ll see that.’’
Bond spent two years at Alabama before transferring to Texas for his junior season. He caught 34 passes for 540 yards and five touchdowns with the Longhorns last season.
Browns Did ‘Extensive Research’ on Isaiah Bond
The Browns have faced criticism for signing Bond, particularly as several players within the organization have recently drawn negative attention off the field. In response, general manager Andrew Berry issued a statement shortly after the signing, providing context for the team’s decision to bring him in.
“We’ve spent much of the last calendar year getting to know Isaiah as a player and professional and much of the last four months gaining a full understanding of his legal situation,” Berry said, noting the team administered an independent polygraph test. “Before the allegations, we also spent a great deal of time with Isaiah during the draft process on campus, at the combine and at our facilities. His time at Alabama with Tommy Rees also weighed heavily on our assessment of his ability to operate successfully in a professional environment if brought into our organization.”
Bond will have a few weeks to play catch-up with the Browns. If all goes as planned, he may be able to get on the field for the team’s preseason finale on August 23 against the Los Angeles Rams.
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