Steelers Get 'Brutal' Injury News On Tight End Amid Jonnu Smith Trade Rumors

While the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to flirt with the idea of a trade for a Pro Bowl tight end, as various reports conflict, one thing about the team's situation in that room is certain.

They just lost a valuable body.

Per ESPN sources, Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. on Tuesday suffered a torn Achilles during OTAs that now "is likely to end his 2025 season.''

The report calls it a "brutal injury.''

The 6-8 Parham, 27, spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers (from 2020 to 2023) and appeared in 47 regular-season games, starting 23 of them.

For his career (which includes last season on the Denver practice squad), he has 67 receptions for 764 yards, an 11.4-yard average, and 11 touchdowns.

That leaves a hole on the roster ... though the Steelers were already trying to make a move here.

It all began on Thursday when Adam Schefter reported that the Steelers were showing interest in a trade for Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith.

"The Dolphins have had trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers about their lone Pro-Bowl selection last season, tight end Jonnu Smith, per league sources," Schefter wrote on Twitter. "Those talks came after Smith expressed an interest in reworking his deal that is scheduled to pay him $4.8 million this season. With Smith seeking a new contract, Miami has sought a trade partner."

Then, on Monday, we heard reports from Steelers insider Mark Kaboly that Pittsburgh definitely wasn't.

"They are not interested in him," Kaboly said during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan.

Now, just a day later, and regardless of what Kaboly said a day ago, Schefter reported that talks are back on between Miami and the Steelers.

The reported trade interest makes a bit of sense because there is a link between Smith and the Steelers, as offensive coordinator Arthur Smith coached the former FIU tight end while with the Tennessee Titans.

Smith will enter his ninth year in the league next season and he's posted 307 receptions for 3,307 yards and 28 touchdowns. Last season, he posted career highs with 88 catches and 884 yards while tying his career-best eight touchdowns. He also made his first Pro Bowl.

Smith reportedly wants more money from and is seeking a trade.

Pittsburgh has also reportedly shown interest in Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Trey Palmer as they try to add weapons for coach Mike Tomlin's offense.