JUNE 5: Parham has officially been placed on injured reserve. As a result, his season is over. Parham will hit free agency next spring with his value having taken a notable hit.
JUNE 3: Steelers tight end Donald Parham will likely miss the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn Achilles in OTAs, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The former Charger signed with the Steelers in February on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. He was expected to slot in as tight end depth behind starter Pat Freiermuth, but will now spend the season on the sidelines, leaving Pittsburgh thin at the position.
The Steelers only have two other tight ends with any NFL experience: 2023 third-rounder Darnell Washington and 2022 sixth-rounder Connor Heyward. Both have primarily served as blockers in the NFL – Heyward as a hybrid TE/FB and Washington as a jumbo-sized inline blocker – though the latter showed up at OTAs 10 pounds lighter, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show. Pittsburgh’s undrafted rookie tight ends, DJ Thomas-Jones and J.J. Galbreath, will now have the opportunity to make a strong impression this summer and push for a roster spot.
Parham’s injury could also intensify the Steelers’ renewed pursuit of Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith. Pittsburgh was already looking to add an offensive playmaker before the season and now has an even stronger need at tight end.
In the event that Smith stays in Miami, the Steelers may have to pivot to a veteran free agent. MyCole Pruitt logged 271 snaps in Arthur Smith‘s offense last year, and 19-year veteran Marcedes Lewis recently revealed that he wants to sign with a new team for the 2025 season.
Parham, meanwhile, won’t see the field for a second consecutive season. After four years as a rotational option with the Chargers, he was released last August during final roster cuts. He landed on the Broncos’ practice squad, but was not elevated a single time during the regular season.
Mercedes Lewis and Aa-Roid are the Steelers Saint Bernard when they’re buried in snow. Lemon will be thrilled for Lewis to be mentioned with any other team than the Bears! Things are really looking up in Pittsburgh. Woo Hoo
I think you owe an apology to all Saint Bernards…lol.
Marcedes will Benz right on over.
Per Schefter Jonnu Smith trade back on
Parham is the same height as Washington, but is a much different player. He is very much a receiver, and one who used alternate football leagues to make a great comeback. It’s unfortunate to read about his injury, as it’s fun to see a tight end of his height going out on routes. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the accomplished receiving option in Smith get another look to replace him. Clearly the Steelers are looking for more receiving production from there, even with Freiermuth present.
That’s an opening for Kyle Pitts or jonn smith now. Hmmmm