Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Donald Parham is officially out for the rest of the season after tearing his Achilles in OTAs practice earlier this week. The team placed him on injured reserve, which will end his season.
Parham signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in February. The Steelers will likely look for another tight end now, which could explain why they reignited talks with the Dolphins for Jonnu Smith.
Standing at 6-foot-8, 237 pounds, Parham is one of the tallest players in the NFL, even taller than Steelers tight end Darnell Washington. The Steelers hoped he could be an option as a receiving tight end.
Parham is a veteran who was underrated out of Stetson in the 2019 NFL Draft. He started his career with the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, but could not stick with either team past the 2019 season. He went to the XFL to play for the Arlington Renegades, where he had a huge year and earned his way back into the NFL.
Parham signed a contract with the Chargers and spent the next four seasons with the team. Over those four seasons, he amassed 764 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns, and 74 receptions.
The Chargers let him walk after the 2023 season and he signed a deal with the Denver Broncos. Parham spent the entire season on the Broncos practice squad.
Now, he will rehab the injury and hope to return in the 2026 season, but he will be a free agent once the season ends.