The Pittsburgh Steelers signed wide receiver Levi Wentz to their offseason roster Monday, while simultaneously releasing inside linebacker Daylan Carnell and punter Aidan Laros. According to an official statement from the team, the moves leave the Steelers with one open roster spot as they continue to evaluate talent ahead of training camp.
What does Levi Wentz bring to the Steelers’ offense?
Levi Wentz, a Pittsburgh native who played at Pine-Richland High School, joins the organization after a collegiate stint at Kansas. During the 2025 season, Wentz recorded 16 receptions for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Coaches at Kansas reportedly nicknamed him “Bouncer” due to his physical style of play, a trait that aligns with the Steelers’ traditional offensive identity. Measuring 6’2” and 199 pounds, Wentz previously signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent before being waived earlier this month.
Wentz is the second wide receiver the Steelers have added this month, joining Joaquin Davis as the team looks to bolster depth at the position.
Why were Daylan Carnell and Aidan Laros released?
The decision to waive Daylan Carnell and Aidan Laros reflects the team’s ongoing churn at the bottom of the roster. According to team records, the release of Carnell, an undrafted free agent out of Missouri, results in $3,334 in dead money, with $1,666 counting against the 2026 salary cap. Laros, who was claimed off waivers earlier this month, was released after failing to secure a permanent spot during spring practices. With these moves, Cameron Johnston remains the sole punter on the current roster.
How do these moves signal future roster strategy?
The Steelers have been aggressively shuffling their depth chart throughout June, adding six new players and releasing six others. This pattern suggests a strategy of constant evaluation for low-cost, high-upside players. Compared to the team’s recent long-term investments—such as contract extensions for EDGE Nick Herbig and TE Darnell Washington—these bottom-of-the-roster transactions highlight the front office’s focus on maintaining competition for the final 53-man spots. The team’s ability to cycle through players like Laros quickly indicates a low tolerance for players who do not immediately demonstrate value during limited practice windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many roster spots do the Steelers have open?
As of Monday’s moves, the Pittsburgh Steelers have one available roster spot. - Who is the primary punter for Pittsburgh?
Cameron Johnston is currently the only punter on the Steelers’ active roster. - Where did Levi Wentz play in college?
Wentz played at Old Dominion and Albany before finishing his college career at the University of Kansas.
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