The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason took a painful turn on Tuesday as veteran tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles tendon during organized team activities (OTAs), likely sidelining him for the entire 2025 season. What was meant to be a hopeful career revival for the 6-foot-8 pass-catcher has now turned into a devastating setback.
Parham’s Comeback Derailed Before It Began
Parham, 27, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in February, aiming to carve out a role as the fourth tight end behind Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Connor Heyward. After a brief stint on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad last season, Parham was looking to make a strong impression in Pittsburgh.
Instead, his hopes were dashed just weeks into offseason workouts. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Achilles tear occurred during a non-contact drill and will require surgery and a long rehabilitation period. This casts serious doubt on his future in the NFL.
A Career Marked by Potential and Persistence
Before landing in Pittsburgh, Parham spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers where he caught 67 passes for 764 yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite flashes of brilliance, injuries and inconsistent playing time prevented him from fully breaking out.
Last season, he posted career-best numbers with 27 catches for 285 yards and four touchdowns. He was hoping to build on that momentum in a new system. His towering frame and red-zone ability made him a unique asset, especially for a Steelers team looking to add versatility to its offense.
Steelers Eyeing Backup Plan as Jonnu Smith Emerges as Target
The timing of Parham’s injury aligns with reports that Pittsburgh has renewed trade talks with the Miami Dolphins for tight end Jonnu Smith. The 2024 Pro Bowler had a standout campaign last season, recording 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
Smith previously worked with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith during his time in Tennessee and Atlanta. With Parham sidelined and MyCole Pruitt not re-signed, Smith is being considered as a reliable replacement option to boost the tight end room.
Looming Quarterback Uncertainty Raises Stakes
Although the tight end shuffle is significant, Pittsburgh’s biggest question mark remains the quarterback situation. Free agent Aaron Rodgers is still undecided about joining the team or retiring. If Rodgers chooses to walk away, the offense will likely be led by Mason Rudolph.
Looking Ahead as Training Camp Continues
The Steelers finished the 2024 season with a 10-7 record but exited in the Wild Card round for the fourth straight year. Their 2025 opener is scheduled for September 7 against the New York Jets, which adds intrigue since that was Rodgers’ former team.
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