Pittsburgh Steelers Shake Up Roster: Brandon Johnson Released, Aidan Laros Signed

Brandon Johnson Released: The 27-year-old wide receiver, Brandon Johnson, was released by the Steelers just two months after re-signing with the team. This marked his third stint with the organization, primarily serving on the practice squad.

Aidan Laros Signed: In a corresponding move, the Steelers claimed undrafted rookie punter Aidan Laros off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Laros, a 6-foot-2, 218-pound athlete from Kentucky, brings a strong collegiate record to Pittsburgh.

Punting Prowess: During his senior year in 2025, Laros averaged 44.9 yards per punt, ranking him 7th in the SEC and 31st nationally. He also handled kickoffs for Kentucky, showcasing his versatility.

Why this matters: These roster moves underscore the Steelers' commitment to refining their special teams unit and enhancing overall roster depth. The release of Johnson suggests the team is looking for greater impact players, while the addition of Laros provides competition and depth at the punter position, especially given veteran Cameron Johnston's age and recent injury history. Such adjustments are crucial as the team gears up for a highly anticipated season.

Q: Why did the Steelers release Brandon Johnson?

A: Brandon Johnson was released to create a roster spot for rookie punter Aidan Laros. This decision likely reflects the team's assessment of Johnson's fit and performance during his third tenure, prioritizing a need in the special teams unit.

Q: Who is Aidan Laros and where is he from?

A: Aidan Laros is an undrafted rookie punter claimed by the Steelers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played collegiately at the University of Kentucky and is originally from Capetown, South Africa.

Q: How do these roster changes impact the Steelers' upcoming season?

A: These moves are part of the Steelers' ongoing process of refining their roster. While Brandon Johnson's departure is a minor depth adjustment, Aidan Laros's arrival aims to strengthen the special teams unit, ensuring solid performance at the punter position as the team prepares for a competitive season.

Roster Optimization is Key: The Steelers are actively making calculated decisions to optimize their roster, ensuring that every position has competitive depth as the season approaches.

Special Teams Focus: The move to bring in Aidan Laros underscores the importance the team places on a strong special teams unit, particularly the punter position, for field position control.

Continuous Evaluation: Even veteran players on short-term deals are subject to constant evaluation, demonstrating the high performance standards maintained by NFL teams.

Anticipating Competition: The addition of Laros suggests there will be an open competition for the punter role in training camp, which could lead to improved performance across the board.

Yahoo Sports: Steelers cut ties with Aaron Rodgers' 27-year-old veteran WR teammate two months after signing him{target="_blank"}

TribLIVE: Steelers add rookie punter Aidan Laros, waive receiver Brandon Johnson{target="_blank"}

Steelers.com: Steelers make roster moves{target="_blank"}