Steelers Renew Trade Talks for Playmaker Amid Bad Injury News at OTAs: Report

Just a few hours after suggesting the Pittsburgh Steelers wouldn’t acquire Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday night that the possibility still existed. There appears to be one obvious reason — an injury to Steelers veteran tight end Donald Parham Jr.

Schefter broke news of Parham’s injury Tuesday night.

“Sources: Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles during today’s OTAs that now is likely to end his 2025 season,” Schefter tweeted. “A brutal injury.”

Earlier Tuesday evening, Schefter posted on X that a Steelers trade for Smith was “still alive.”

“Back in it: the Steelers renewed conversations today with Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith, who is seeking a new contract,” wrote Schefter.

Schefter first linked the Steelers to Smith on May 29 but used past tense to describe the talks between the Steelers and Dolphins. On Tuesday morning, Schefter tweeted that the Steelers were “not expected to trade” for Smith when he reported the team was hosting veteran receiver Gabe Davis this week.

Steelers’ Donald Parham Jr. Suffers Injury: Report

Smith is coming off a career season in Miami and is very familiar with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Even still, after Schefter’s May 29 report, pundits questioned whether Pittsburgh should express interest in Smith because of the team’s solid tight end depth.

However, Parham’s injury changes things.

Parham was set to be the team’s No. 3 tight end in 2025. In four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers from 2020-23, he posted 67 catches for 764 yards. The 27-year-old also scored 11 touchdowns.

Parham spent last season on the Denver Broncos practice squad.

The Steelers still have Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington at the top of their tight end depth chart. But without Parham, the team doesn’t have as much proven depth.

Pittsburgh also needs tight end depth more than most teams. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith deploys multi-tight end sets about as much as anyone else in the NFL.

Parham joined the Steelers on a 1-year, $1.17 million contract this offseason.

How TE Jonnu Smith Could Fit Steelers Offense

Smith signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract with the Dolphins last year. But Schefter has reported the 29-year-old wants a new deal after a career-best 88 receptions, 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

The Steelers have the salary cap to offer Smith a raise or new contract. Smith has also played for Arthur Smith in five of his eight NFL seasons.

With Arthur Smith’s desire to play multiple tight ends at a time, trading for Jonnu Smith wouldn’t have to cut into Freiermuth’s playing time. It could allow Pittsburgh to play two proven pass-catching tight ends at one time.

Trading for Smith would likely mean less playing time for Washington. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly has been complimentary of Washington’s performance at the team’s offseason workouts.

But with Parham likely out for the season, the Steelers wouldn’t have to release another tight end to create roster space for Smith.

Pittsburgh also has tight end/full back Connor Heyward on its roster. Heyward makes his largest impact on special teams.

Whether it’s at tight end or wide receiver, the Steelers are pursuing all options to adding more pass-catching talent before the 2025 season starts. The Steelers only have one proven outside deep-threat still in their prime on their roster — DK Metcalf.