Bengals Player Profile: Ke’Shawn Williams returns with momentum on his side as Cincinnati’s kick returner
Ke’Shawn Williams fared well as the Cincinnati Bengals’ returner after switching AFC North teams late last year. He has a chance of retaining that role in 2026 if he can sneak into a stacked room of wide receivers.
We’re 69 days away from the Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. Throughout the dead period of the offseason and into training camp and preseason action, we’ll be going over every player on the Bengals’ 90-man roster. Check out previous player profiles here.
Up next in the series is a Cincinnati native who has no worries about getting cut.
Ke’Shawn Williams Player Profile
Age: 24
Year: 2nd
Position: Wide receiver
College: Indiana
Jersey Number: 12
Ke’Shawn Williams was originally an undrafted free agenting signing of the Pittsburgh Steelers following the 2025 NFL Draft. Williams spent most of 2025 in Pittsburgh, joining the practice squad after getting waived during final cuts. He stayed on the practice squad until Week 6 when he was signed to Pittsburgh’s active roster. He played in eight games for the Steelers, contributing mostly as a returner on special teams.
The Steelers waived Williams following Week 15 and the Bengals quickly claimed him. He played the last three games of Cincinnati’s season as the primary kickoff and punt returner. He averaged 25.4 yards per kickoff return (eight returns) and 10.6 yards per punt return (nine returns).
Prior to the NFL, Williams spent five years in college. He played four years at Wake Forest (2020-23) and one year at Indiana (2024).
Contract details
Williams is in the second year of a two-year, $1,845,000 contract the Bengals inherited when they claimed him last season. His base salary, cash figure, and salary cap hit for 2026 is all $1,005,000.
Roster outlook
Cincinnati added Williams late last year to help out on special teams while Charlie Jones dealt with injury. The rookie fared well after switching AFC North teams, and he has a chance of retaining that role in 2026.
Jones has been in the system longer and is a more proven returner compared to Williams. The rest of the WR room is virtually impenetrable, so unless the Bengals are going with seven, the second-year player isn’t likely to make the team. He should be fun to watch in the preseason, and that may earn him a shot elsewhere. If not, he’s an strong practice squad candidate.
Roster odds: 20%