The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a move to bolster their offense by signing tight end Donald Parham Jr. to a one-year contract.
The 6-foot-8, 240-pound Parham, who has spent the past few seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, is known for his imposing size, impressive athleticism, and ability to make plays in the red zone.
His addition to the Steelers’ roster provides a new weapon for quarterback Kenny Pickett and further enhances their offensive options.
Parham’s journey to the NFL is an intriguing one. After playing in the XFL with the Dallas Renegades, he was signed by the Chargers in 2020. Parham quickly made an impact, with his size and ability to win contested catches making him a valuable asset, especially in the red zone.
Over his time with the Chargers, he developed strong chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert, becoming a reliable target on crucial third downs and in scoring situations. Parham’s athleticism, combined with his ability to create mismatches against defenders, made him a consistent contributor to the Chargers’ offense.
In 2022, Parham showed significant development, refining his blocking skills and route running while continuing to display his natural ability to make plays.
He has proven himself as a player capable of stretching the field with his unique combination of height and speed, which makes him a matchup nightmare for defensive backs and linebackers.
His red-zone prowess, in particular, was key to his success with the Chargers, and it’s something the Steelers are eager to tap into as they look to continue building a potent offensive unit.
By signing Parham, the Steelers gain a reliable pass-catching tight end who adds depth to the position. While veteran tight end Pat Freiermuth remains the team’s top option at the position, Parham brings an exciting complementary skill set. His ability to block as well as catch passes will make him a versatile asset, giving the Steelers additional flexibility in their offensive schemes.
Parham’s signing also allows the Steelers to increase their red-zone effectiveness, a critical area of focus for the team as they strive to improve their overall offensive performance in the coming season.
With Parham now on board, the Steelers have added a dynamic playmaker to their roster who can contribute immediately. His signing reinforces the team’s commitment to strengthening its offense, particularly in the tight end room.
As the Steelers look to improve their offense under second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, Parham’s presence will provide an additional weapon for the young signal-caller, creating more opportunities for big plays and a stronger red-zone presence in 2025.