GREENSBORO -- The NFL's Cincinnati Bengals have signed former North Carolina A&T football and track and field star Desmond Lawrence to a rookie free agent contract. Lawrence entered the NFL following the 2015 NFL Draft as a college free agent with the Detroit Lions and was waived on May 12.

Lawrence played two seasons for the Aggies after transferring from East Carolina. He led the Aggies in receiving both seasons. In 25 games played, he made 79 receptions for 789 yards and five touchdowns. He was a third-team All-MEAC selection in 2014.

Lawrence was also a track start at A&T where he became the only athlete in the school's history to earn All-American honors in outdoor and indoor track and field. He is also the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference record holder in the 60 meters (6.64) after winning the conference title in 2015. He also owns MEAC titles in the 100 and 400 meter relay.

He qualified for the NCAA Division I East Preliminary Round in the 100, 200 and 400 meter relay as a senior and he qualified for the 100 as a junior.