Total Pro Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense has already been dealt a significant blow, with veteran tight end Donald Parham Jr. likely to miss all of 2025 after suffering an Achilles tear.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Donald Parham tore his Achilles during Tuesday’s OTAs and is likely out for the entire 2025 season. The veteran tight end signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in February.
Parham spent his first four NFL seasons (2020 to 2023) with the Los Angeles Chargers. He initially joined the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019 following a successful four-year stint at Stetson.
Donald Parham emerged as a reliable security blanket for Justin Herbert during his four years in LA, recording 67 receptions for 764 yards and 11 touchdowns. Parham never put up eye-popping numbers as he had to share the ball with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler, but he averaged a superb 11.4 yards per catch.
Sources: Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles during today’s OTAs that now is likely to end his 2025 season. A brutal injury. https://t.co/fyipieiizU pic.twitter.com/Mxyxkqh8id
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2025
Schefter previously reported that the Steeles were talking to the Miami Dolphins about a trade for Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. He reported today that the two sides were unlikely to finalize a trade, but now Schefter claims negotiations have resumed following Parham’s injury.
Back in it: the Steelers renewed conversations today with Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith, who is seeking a new contract. The trade between the Steelers and Dolphins is still alive, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2025
Pat Freiermuth is the No. 1 tight end on the Steelers roster. He tallied a career-high 65 receptions last season for 653 yards and seven touchdowns, helping Pittsburgh to a second straight playoff appearance.
The Steelers’ pass-catching depth is thin after Pat Freiermuth and Pro Bowl wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, so it’s imperative for the front office to bring in at least one more proven weapon.
With Donald Parham out, adding Jonnu Smith would be a nice way to bolster the passing game for Aaron Rodgers (or whoever lines up behind center next season).
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