Pittsburgh Steelers Sign Veteran Tight End Donald Parham Jr. to One-Year Deal

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a notable move to strengthen their offense by signing veteran tight end Donald Parham Jr. to a one-year contract. Parham, who spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, brings valuable experience and depth to the Steelers’ tight end position as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Parham’s tenure with the Chargers was marked by consistent play and significant contributions, particularly in the red zone. Over his 47 regular-season appearances, including 23 starts, Parham established himself as a reliable target for quarterback Justin Herbert. He registered 67 receptions for 764 yards, averaging an impressive 11.4 yards per catch. His ability to stretch the field and make plays down the middle of the field will provide the Steelers with a versatile offensive weapon.

One of Parham’s standout traits is his ability to find the end zone. He totaled 11 touchdowns during his time with the Chargers, a key statistic that will be of value to the Steelers, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations. Parham’s size and athleticism give him an advantage over defenders, making him a tough matchup for opposing defenses. His ability to play a prominent role in goal-line scenarios will undoubtedly help the Steelers’ offense in the upcoming season.

While Parham spent most of his career in Los Angeles, he had a brief stint on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad in 2024, where he continued to develop his skills. Although he did not appear in any games for the Broncos, his time on the practice squad allowed him to stay sharp and refine his abilities, ensuring he was ready for the next opportunity.

The Steelers’ signing of Parham comes at a time when they are seeking to add more playmakers to their offense, which has been led by quarterback Kenny Pickett. With the addition of Parham, the Steelers now have a veteran tight end who can contribute immediately. His experience in high-pressure situations, including a postseason appearance with the Chargers, will also provide leadership and guidance to younger players on the team.

In the postseason, Parham showed his ability to rise to the occasion. Although he had a modest stat line with four receptions for 23 yards, his experience in a playoff game is invaluable, especially as the Steelers look to contend for the playoffs once again in the near future.

In conclusion, Donald Parham Jr.’s addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers gives the team a proven veteran tight end who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. His experience, playmaking ability, and size will enhance the Steelers’ offense as they work to improve their passing game and build a more balanced attack for the upcoming season. With Parham on board, the Steelers’ tight end group looks stronger, providing more options for quarterback Kenny Pickett.