Steelers Add Punter Aidan Laros in Special Teams Shake-Up

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to fine-tune their roster as they move through the final stages of the offseason, making incremental adjustments in preparation for the upcoming regular season. Like many NFL teams at this point on the calendar, the focus has shifted toward depth, competition, and finding potential contributors in overlooked areas of the roster.

One of the latest moves reflects that approach directly, as Pittsburgh added competition to its special teams group. The team claimed punter Aidan Laros off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signaling an intent to evaluate options behind their established starter.

In a corresponding roster decision, the Steelers released wide receiver Brandon Johnson. While not a headline-grabbing move, the transaction highlights the constant roster churn that takes place as teams shape their final 53-man group and practice squad outlook.

For Laros, the opportunity marks an early step in his professional career. Having entered the league as an undrafted free agent, he now finds himself on his second NFL roster before appearing in a regular-season game.

1. Steelers Add Young Punting Competition

Laros originally signed with the Buccaneers following the 2026 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. Although he did not ultimately remain in Tampa Bay, his brief stint there was enough to generate interest from another organization. Before reaching the NFL level, Laros completed his college career at Kentucky, where he developed into a reliable specialist over two seasons. His final year in 2025 saw him handle a career-high workload, punting 50 times while averaging 44.5 yards per attempt. His consistency earned him recognition on the Ray Guy Award watch list, an honor reserved for the nation’s top collegiate punters. That background helped position him as a developmental prospect with upside at the professional level. Now with Pittsburgh, Laros enters a situation where he can continue refining his technique while learning behind a veteran presence. The Steelers’ decision to bring him in reflects both curiosity about his potential and a desire to strengthen competition at the position.

2. Veteran Cameron Johnston Holds Starting Edge

Despite the addition of Laros, the Steelers still have an established veteran atop their depth chart. Cameron Johnston remains the likely starter heading into camp, bringing both experience and familiarity with the organization. Johnston joined Pittsburgh in free agency for what will be his second stint with the team, returning after previous experience with the franchise. His career has included stops with multiple teams, including limited action in the 2025 season split between the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants. Even in a season with limited appearances, Johnston maintained solid production, averaging 44.5 yards per punt. That consistency has helped him remain a trusted option despite frequent team changes throughout his career. Over eight NFL seasons, Johnston has built a strong résumé, averaging 47.2 yards across 458 career punts. While his journey has included some inconsistency in terms of long-term team stability, his overall production has kept him in demand across the league.

3. Training Camp Battle Now Takes Shape

With both players now in the same building, the Steelers will use the offseason to evaluate whether genuine competition exists at the position or if the job remains firmly Johnston’s to lose. For Laros, the challenge is significant but not impossible. The rookie punter will need to demonstrate not only distance but also consistency, directional control, and reliability under pressure to force his way into serious consideration. Special teams roles are often decided by small margins, especially when veterans are involved. Pittsburgh’s decision to bring in competition reflects a broader organizational philosophy of maintaining internal pressure at every position group. Even established starters are expected to earn their roles through performance rather than reputation alone. As training camp approaches, the Steelers will continue assessing how each specialist performs in live drills and preseason action. While Johnston enters as the clear favorite, Laros now has a defined opportunity to challenge and potentially reshape the depth chart if he can deliver an impressive showing.