Pittsburgh Steelers Sign TE Donald Parham Jr. to One-Year Deal

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed tight end Donald Parham Jr. to a one-year contract, the team announced on February 21, 2025. Parham, 27, brings notable experience as a veteran player to the Steelers roster.

Parham spent the 2024 season on the Denver Broncos practice squad without any game appearances. Prior to that, he had a successful four-season stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, during which he played in 47 regular-season games and made 23 starts. He accumulated 67 receptions for 764 yards and scored 11 touchdowns throughout his career.

His best season was in 2023, where he registered a career-high 27 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his ability as a key target in the red zone. According to Pro Football Focus, nine of his eleven career touchdowns have been scored inside the red zone, displaying his effectiveness as a goal-line threat.

Scheduled to join fellow tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Connor Heyward, Parham’s size at 6 feet 8 inches and 240 pounds presents a significant asset for the Steelers as they bolster their tight end depth. His addition follows the departure of MyCole Pruitt, a pending free agent who faced injury challenges throughout the 2024 season.

Parham started his career in the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Stetson University, where his performance earned him first-team All-American honors in his senior year. He initially signed with the Detroit Lions in 2019, before brief tenures with the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Renegades in the XFL. His success in the XFL, where he was one of the top tight ends, led to his signing with the Chargers in 2020.

During his time with the Renegades, Parham established himself by catching a 65-yard touchdown from former Steelers quarterback Landry Jones. Parham’s physical attributes, including a 4.68-second 40-yard dash and a 38.5-inch vertical leap, contributed to his reputation as a player who can impact both blocking and receiving situations.

The Steelers’ management has not disclosed the financial terms of Parham’s contract, but details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. Pittsburgh’s tight end strategy seems set, with Freiermuth and Washington positioned as the primary options, while Parham will add unique qualities not present in the current lineup.