The Cincinnati Bengals are making headlines yet again, but not just for their on-field performances. In a surprising move on December 17, 2025, the Bengals swooped in on the waiver wire to claim wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams, a decision that’s sent ripples through the AFC North—especially in Pittsburgh. Williams, a promising talent with special teams prowess, was initially released and eyed by the Steelers, who had hoped to bring him back after he cleared waivers. Instead, the Bengals pounced, adding depth to a receiver corps that’s been battered by injuries and recent roster churn.
This isn’t just about plugging a hole for Cincinnati. The move comes at a critical juncture: with Charlie Jones sidelined after an injury last week, the Bengals needed immediate help, particularly in the return game. Williams, known for his agility and versatility, fits the bill. But there’s more to the story than simply filling a roster spot. According to The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo, the Steelers were banking on Williams slipping through waivers so they could reclaim him. The Bengals’ intervention has likely ruffled feathers in the Steel City, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries.
The Bengals’ wide receiver depth chart now reads like a who’s who of potential and proven playmakers: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andre Iosvias, Charlie Jones, Mitchell Tinsley, and the newly acquired Ke'Shawn Williams. It’s a group that, on paper, should give quarterback Joe Burrow (when healthy) plenty of options. Yet, the path to this point hasn’t been smooth. Jermaine Burton, who flashed returning ability over the summer, was recently cut after relations soured with the team. That left the Bengals scrambling for solutions, making the Williams pickup both timely and strategic.
There’s no denying that Cincinnati has its sights set on the postseason. With the addition of Williams, the Bengals look to shore up special teams while offering the young receiver a genuine opportunity to carve out a role beyond just the remainder of this season. As the team inches closer to the playoffs, every roster move is magnified—and this one, given the Steelers’ interest, carries a little extra spice.
But while the offense and special teams are getting a facelift, there’s another, more pressing concern looming over the Bengals: the defense. It’s no secret that Cincinnati has been pouring resources into its pass rush, desperately seeking a replacement for the production lost when Trey Hendrickson departed. The front office has used back-to-back first-round picks on edge rushers—Myles Murphy in 2023 and Shemar Stewart in 2024—but neither has blossomed into the disruptive force the team hoped for.
The numbers paint a stark picture. As of December 2025, the Bengals rank in the bottom five in the entire NFL in both run-defense grade and pass-rush grade, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s a double whammy that no playoff contender wants to carry into January. The struggles have prompted speculation that Cincinnati might dip into the draft yet again for help up front, even as fans and analysts debate the wisdom of spending so much draft capital on one position.
Enter David Bailey, the Texas Tech edge rusher who’s been lighting up stat sheets and turning heads among NFL scouts. Pro Football Focus analyst Max Chadwick recently suggested that the Bengals could target Bailey in the upcoming NFL Draft, and it’s not hard to see why. Bailey boasts a jaw-dropping 92.9 overall PFF grade, a 93.5 pass-rush grade, a staggering 74 total pressures, and 14 sacks this season. Those numbers aren’t just good—they’re elite.
“The Bengals are the only defense in the NFL ranking bottom-five in both run-defense grade and pass-rush grade, making the need up front impossible to ignore,” Chadwick observed. “After selecting edge defender Shemar Stewart in the first round last year to help stabilize the run defense, Cincinnati can add real pass-rush juice with Bailey.”
It’s a tantalizing prospect for a franchise that’s seen its defensive fortunes wane despite heavy investment. Bailey’s production at Texas Tech suggests he could be the missing piece, the kind of impact player who can change the tenor of a game—and perhaps an entire season. Of course, there’s always the risk that another first-round edge rusher could struggle to adapt, as Murphy and Stewart have so far. But as Chadwick put it, “Say what you will about spending so much Draft capital on the same position, but at least Bailey has the production to make it worth it.”
For Bengals fans, the hope is that this time, the investment pays off. The defense’s struggles have been glaring, and the lack of consistent pressure up front has put extra strain on the secondary. In a division where quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson can turn a broken play into a touchdown, the need for a disruptive edge presence is more urgent than ever.
Meanwhile, the Bengals’ offense continues to evolve. The addition of Ke'Shawn Williams isn’t just about special teams; it’s a signal that Cincinnati is willing to be aggressive, even at the risk of ruffling rivals’ feathers. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins anchoring the receiving corps, and Williams now in the mix, the Bengals have the kind of depth that could prove invaluable down the stretch—especially if injuries continue to pile up.
There’s also the matter of locker room chemistry. The recent release of Jermaine Burton, who had shown promise as a return specialist, underscores the delicate balance teams must strike between talent and temperament. Williams, for his part, arrives with a clean slate and a chance to make an immediate impact. Whether he sticks around beyond this season will depend on his performance—and perhaps, a little bit of luck.
As the regular season winds down and the playoff picture comes into focus, all eyes are on Cincinnati. Will the Bengals’ bold moves pay off? Can the defense find its footing with another influx of young talent? And will the rivalry with the Steelers take on new life after this latest roster maneuver?
One thing’s for sure: the Bengals aren’t standing pat. With the postseason on the horizon and a roster in flux, Cincinnati is doing everything it can to stay one step ahead—on the field, in the draft room, and yes, even on the waiver wire.
