Former Indiana wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams is back on the open market after the Cincinnati Bengals released him Tuesday, bringing an abrupt end to his time with the organization, via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Williams’ release comes less than 48 hours after Cincinnati’s 30-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams muffed a punt late in the fourth quarter, giving Pittsburgh possession in Bengals territory and setting up the game-tying field goal.
For Indiana fans, the move marks another chapter in the NFL journey of a player who made a significant impact during his lone season in Bloomington.
Williams transferred to Indiana after spending four seasons at Wake Forest and quickly became a valuable piece of the Hoosiers’ 2024 offense. He appeared in all 13 games, catching 39 passes for 448 yards and five touchdowns.
His versatility was also evident in the return game, where he contributed both as a kickoff and punt returner.
One of Williams’ biggest performances came against Purdue, when he finished with 108 all-purpose yards, including five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown. He also had six catches for 86 yards against Michigan State and six receptions for 70 yards against Michigan.
That 2024 Indiana team ultimately finished 11-2 and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, with Williams playing an important role along the way.
Williams entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Steelers in 2025. After spending time on Pittsburgh’s practice squad and active roster, he was claimed by Cincinnati off waivers in December.
He finished his rookie season with 26 kickoff returns for 628 yards and 20 punt returns for 207 yards, establishing himself primarily as a special teams contributor.
The Bengals gave Williams another opportunity this summer, and he earned a spot on Cincinnati’s initial 53-man roster.
He even caught a touchdown during the preseason finale against Philadelphia, helping secure his place on the team.
His 2026 regular-season opportunity, however, proved brief. Williams played in Cincinnati’s Week 3 matchup with Pittsburgh before Tuesday’s release.
For Hoosier fans, the hope now turns toward Williams finding another NFL opportunity.
His experience as a receiver and return specialist, combined with the production he showed at Indiana, gives him a résumé to build on as he continues pursuing his professional career.
