Steelers A to Z: Ke'Shawn Williams among young receivers looking to take George Pickens' roster spot

Editor’s note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2025 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with at least two players each day between June 12 and July 23. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.

WR KE’SHAWN WILLIAMS

Experience/age: Rookie, 23 years old

Contract status: $843,333 cap hit if he makes the team, signed through 2027

The past: Before he signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent, Williams spent one season at Indiana following his transfer from Wake Forest, where he played his first four collegiate seasons.

In 2024, Williams had 39 receptions for 448 yards — an 11.5 average per catch — and five touchdowns. He did not start any of the games the Hoosiers played last season, including a college football playoff loss to Notre Dame.

In his final two seasons at Wake Forest, the 5-foot-9, 186-pound Williams totaled 77 receptions for 937 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged a career-high 15 yards per catch as a sophomore when he caught 27 passes for 404 yards and three scores.

Williams also brings experience as a kickoff and punt returner.

Big play game film! pic.twitter.com/UZY1QKz4Rv

— Ke'Shawn Williams (@key13williams) December 3, 2023

2025 outlook: Williams was added after the draft to provide depth at a position that was a weakness in 2024. When the Steelers traded George Pickens to Dallas, it created an opening, and Williams is expected to be among the candidates to compete for a job at the bottom of the depth chart.

The acquisition of tight end Jonnu Smith at the end of June doesn’t weigh in Williams’ favor, but he has a chance to show in training camp and the preseason that he can be a useful weapon in the slot. He would be a candidate for a practice squad spot if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster.

Williams was knocked in his NFL.com draft profile for having a “limited catch radius,” but he was praised for his “toughness and hand strength.” The report also cited Williams’ elusiveness after the catch, and the Steelers haven’t had such a player since Diontae Johnson was traded to Carolina in the 2024 offseason.