AUSTIN/CLEVELAND — August 15, 2025. Former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond has been cleared of criminal charges in a Collin County sexual-assault case after a grand jury returned a “no bill,” ending the months-long legal cloud that shadowed his path to the pros. Bond, who went undrafted in April, announced that he intends to sign with the Cleveland Browns, a move that could reboot a career once projected for the top half of the 2025 NFL Draft. CBS NewsESPN.com
The decision that changed everything
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis confirmed late Thursday that jurors declined to indict, concluding the criminal proceedings. The no-bill follows Bond’s April 10 surrender to Frisco police on an outstanding warrant, after which he was released on bond and publicly maintained his innocence. The case’s disposition—“no further charges”—removes the most significant barrier to his NFL entry. CBS NewsESPN.com
Bond’s camp quickly pivoted to football. He posted on social media that he plans to join the Browns, thanking the organization while reiterating that the allegations were false. As of this morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that no contract had been finalized, even as Bond signaled his intentions. That nuance matters: until Cleveland makes a transaction official, he is a free agent with a verbal pathway—promising, but not yet signed. ESPN.comX (formerly Twitter)
How we got here
Bond transferred from Alabama to Texas in January 2024, calling it a “business decision” to maximize his draft stock after Nick Saban’s retirement. He arrived as one of the most coveted speed threats in the portal and slotted immediately into Steve Sarkisian’s receiver rotation. University of Texas AthleticsESPN.com
On the field in 2024, Bond delivered steady production: 34 receptions for 540 yards and 5 touchdowns across 14 games, with explosive-play ability that matched his reputation as a vertical separator. Those numbers, plus elite long-speed and run-after-catch traits, had evaluators placing him in early- to mid-round discussions before the April arrest cratered his draft outlook. cfbstats.com
What the Browns could be getting
Assuming the deal gets done, Cleveland would be betting on traits and a clean slate. Bond’s profile features instant acceleration off the line, fluid transitions on deep crossers and posts, and experience in motion-heavy, formation-diverse offenses at both Alabama and Texas. He’s most dangerous when aligned off the ball or stacked, where free releases unlock his top gear and force safeties to respect the shot play. In Texas’ offense last season, his 15.9 yards per catch underscored his role as a field stretcher who can also threaten on jet motion and screens. cfbstats.com
From a roster-construction standpoint, the Browns have cycled through complementary receivers around their top options in recent years. A cost-controlled flier on a 21-year-old (turning 22 this season) with verified Power-5 production fits Cleveland’s pattern of adding speed and competition to the room during camp. If Bond looks like the player he was in 2024, he profiles as a situational deep threat and gadget piece on day one, with upside to grow into a WR3 role as he masters the playbook and timing with the quarterback. (Signing status still pending club confirmation.) ESPN.com
The legal overhang is gone—but the ramp-up is real
The no-bill closes the criminal chapter; it doesn’t erase the lost offseason. Bond missed the predraft process, rookie minicamps, and the early install period that helps receivers carve out roles. He will need to learn protections, hot adjustments, and Cleveland’s route conversions on compressed timing—tasks that often decide whether a bubble receiver makes the 53 or starts on the practice squad. The positive: his skill set is plug-and-play on verticals, crossers, and quick game, the very places teams manufacture touches for speed players returning to football rhythm. CBS News
College résumé in brief
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Alabama (2022–23): Emerged as a big-moment target early in his career before entering the portal.
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Texas (2024): 14 GP, 34-540-5 receiving; added limited rushing usage on end-around concepts. Those figures track with how Texas spread targets and used Bond to stress the deep third. cfbstats.com
Outlook
If the Browns formalize the signing, Bond becomes one of August’s most intriguing reclamation bets: a former blue-chip sprinter with fresh legal clearance, genuine vertical juice, and recent Power-5 production. The immediate hurdle is reacclimating to speed-of-the-game timing and proving value on special teams and situational packages. Clear the install, and he’s a live candidate to make noise before September. For now, the headline is simple—and significant: no indictment, no further charges, and an NFL door that’s open again. The StatesmanESPN.com
Sources used for reporting include official statements and multiple outlets confirming the grand jury’s decision and Bond’s stated plan to sign with Cleveland. Key stats and roster history were verified against Texas/CFB records.