The AFC North just got a little more interesting. Rookie wide receiver and return specialist Ke’Shawn Williams is heading to Cincinnati after being claimed off waivers by the Bengals. The move comes shortly after the Pittsburgh Steelers released him to make room on the roster for veteran wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling ahead of their Monday night matchup with the Dolphins.
Williams didn’t suit up for Pittsburgh’s game against the Ravens the week prior, listed as a gameday inactive. But now he’ll get a fresh opportunity in Cincinnati, where he joins the Bengals’ 53-man roster with a clear path to contribute-especially in the return game.
For Williams, it’s been a winding road this season. He began the year on the Steelers’ practice squad before earning a promotion to the active roster.
Once there, he carved out a role as a returner and depth receiver. While Pittsburgh has been leaning more heavily on veteran pass-catchers down the stretch, Williams showed flashes of potential that caught the attention of their division rivals.
Let’s not forget what he did in the preseason-four catches for 86 yards and a touchdown in three games. That’s solid production for a rookie fighting for a roster spot.
But what really stood out was his special teams work. Williams made a name for himself as a gunner and punt returner, showing the kind of versatility coaches love, especially in December when rosters are banged up and every special teams snap matters.
Before turning pro, Williams spent a season at Indiana, where he logged 39 receptions for 448 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His most productive college year came at Wake Forest in 2022, when he posted 553 receiving yards and a score as a sophomore. He’s not a household name-yet-but he’s the kind of player who can quietly become a difference-maker on special teams or step up in a pinch offensively.
Pittsburgh had hoped to bring him back to the practice squad, but Cincinnati had other plans. With the Bengals scooping him up, the Steelers now find themselves with two open spots on their practice squad-and a little less depth in the return game. It’s a reminder that in this league, talent doesn’t stay on the waiver wire for long, especially when it comes with upside and special teams value.
Now, Williams gets a shot with a new team in the same division. And if he can make the most of it, the Steelers might be seeing a familiar face coming right back at them.