Steelers’ Tight End Plans Crumble as Donald Parham Jr. Suffers Season-Ending Injury—Jonnu Smith Back on the Radar
PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason took a brutal turn today as newly-signed tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles during organized team activities (OTAs), sources confirmed. The injury is expected to sideline Parham for the entirety of the 2025 NFL season, dealing a major blow to Pittsburgh’s offensive depth.
Parham, who inked a one-year deal with the Steelers in February after showing flashes of promise with the Chargers, was expected to compete for significant snaps in Arthur Smith’s tight end-heavy system. Instead, his season is over before it even began.
The injury has reignited trade talks between the Steelers and the Miami Dolphins centered around veteran tight end Jonnu Smith. Pittsburgh previously expressed interest in acquiring Smith to bolster the tight end room but paused discussions following the Parham signing. Now, those negotiations are reportedly back in motion—and intensifying.
Steelers fans are already buzzing on social media, with many calling for a swift move to secure Smith or explore other available veterans, including the likes of Zach Ertz or Austin Hooper.
“Parham’s injury changes everything,” a league source said. “The Steelers need someone who can step in immediately—not just a developmental guy.”
The front office now faces pressure to act quickly, as the AFC North arms race intensifies and Pittsburgh’s offense remains in flux.
One thing’s for sure: The Steelers’ 2025 campaign just got a lot more complicated.