Conner Vernon claimed by Cincinnati Bengals

The ACC's all-time receiving yards leader has a new team.

Wide receiver Conner Vernon, a four-year standout at Duke who was instrumental in helping the Blue Devils reach their first bowl appearance in 18 seasons in 2012, was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday.

Vernon, who was added to the practice squad roster of the Cleveland Browns before last year's regular season finale, went undrafted in 2013 coming out of Duke, but was invited to training camp with the Oakland Raiders. Vernon did not make the team at the end of preseason play and was cut, before being picked up by the Browns several months later.

At 6-feet, 200 pounds, Vernon's greatest strength lies not in his speed but in his route-running. Under head coach David Cutcliffe's guidance, Vernon racked up 283 receptions for 3,749 yards—both ACC records—and 20 touchdowns.

The Bengals' wide receiving corps is headlined by star A.J. Green and anchored by Marvin Jones, Mohamed Sanu and North Carolina product Brandon Tate. Cincinnati boasted one of the league's strongest defenses last season, but fell at home to the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the playoffs.