The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold and smart move by adding big tight end Donald Parham. This was like a game of NFL chess that caught many people off guard. Although Parham didn’t get much playing time in Denver, his move to Pittsburgh could be a big help as the Steelers continue to change up their offense for the 2025 season.
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A Calculated Move to Fortify the Offence
This surprise purchase reminds me of a smart move made by a chess grandmaster. The Steelers have always been known for their tough defense, but in recent years they’ve started to build an offense that can do more. There aren’t many options at tight end, so Pittsburgh’s choice to bring in a physically strong and battle-tested player like Parham shows that they want to adapt and take advantage of defensive gaps.
The move comes at a time when the Denver Broncos are still trying to figure things out. Last season, their tight end room was one of the most unstable in the league. Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, and Nate Adkins all failed to establish themselves as solid contributors. The fact that Denver couldn’t get anything out of that unit made their decision to keep Donald Parham on the practice squad even stranger. Fans wanted to know why the 6-foot-8 pass-catcher, who was known for being fast and having a long catch radius, wasn’t playing in favor of players who didn’t make a difference on the field.
After a season of not knowing what would happen, Parham can finally prove his worth with a team that wants to use his skills.
Parham’s Long and Winding Road to Pittsburgh
The path that Donald Parham took to get to the Steelers was not typical. After not being picked in the draft out of Stetson University in 2019, Parham went back and forth between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders before giving up the NFL grind. But his career took off again when he played for the Arlington Renegades (formerly the Dallas Renegades) in the XFL. Scouts from the NFL saw how talented he was there, especially with how he could high-point the ball, stretch the seam, and make smaller players miss coverage.
He did well after the Los Angeles Chargers took a chance on him. Over the course of four seasons with the Chargers, Parham slowly became an important offensive tool, especially in the red zone. His 67 receptions for 764 yards and 11 scores in the NFL show how effective he is when he is targeted. His height isn’t the only thing that makes him dangerous; his quick movements and soft hands also make him very dangerous. These traits make him a nightmare for both defenders and defensive backs.
A New Chapter in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a new start for Parham, but what’s more important is that it’s a real chance. There are only two tight ends on the team’s roster right now: Pat Freiermuth, a solid pass-catcher who could make the Pro Bowl, and second-year talent Darnell Washington, who is better known for blocking. This means that Parham won’t just be a camp body in the tight end room. He’ll most likely get a real chance to fight for important snaps.
In the past, the Steelers have respected tough, versatile tight ends who can help the team in many areas of the game. Freiermuth is great at intermediate routes, and Washington is strong enough to stop runs. But Parham brings something different to the table: length, verticality, and the ability to outjump almost any defender on the field. He adds a new flavor to Pittsburgh’s offense, especially in play-action sets and third-down situations, thanks to his size and agility like a basketball player.
Also, the new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, is known for making plans that work well for tight ends while working for the Titans and Falcons. He could be the perfect coach to help Parham reach his full potential. If used in creative ways, Parham could line up in a number of different spots, such as inline, slot, or even out wide. This would give defenses a lot more to think about when they play the Steelers’ changing offense.
What This Means for the Steelers Offence
Every advantage is important for a team that wants to fight in the AFC North, which is always very tough. It’s clear that the Steelers are betting that Parham’s unique skills will give them an edge in crucial moments, especially inside the 20-yard line, where points are hard to come by. Parham doesn’t have to be a star who makes 70 catches every season. If he can consistently be a threat in the red zone and create mismatches when the game is down to one, he will be worth a lot more than what it cost to sign him.
This also tells the other teams in the league that the Steelers are not happy to just sit back. They are actively looking for talented players who aren’t getting enough attention and are ready to take chances on players who aren’t getting enough attention elsewhere. This has worked in the past.
Final Thoughts
Even though Donald Parham’s hire didn’t make national news, it’s the kind of quiet, smart move that can really make a difference over the course of an NFL season. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for Pittsburgh. It shows that they’ve done a lot of research, have a long-term view, and are willing to think outside the box when making team decisions.
As training camp gets closer, all eyes will be on Parham as he tries to find a place in the Steelers’ offense. If he does well, this deal could be remembered as one of the most important off-season moves, especially if Parham returns to being one of the NFL’s most dangerous threats in the red zone.
Fans in Pittsburgh have another reason to look forward to the 2025 season: a giant who was once ignored will finally get to shine in black and gold.
