Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Pittsburgh Steelers' tight end Donald Parham will miss the 2025 season. He suffered a torn Achilles at OTAs, which is devastating news for the player and the team's depth at the position. With constant trade rumors swirling around the franchise, it wouldn't shock anyone to see an upgrade found outside the club.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan must find an upgrade, which he appeared focused on before Parham suffered his injury. Over the past week, there have been reports that the Steelers have had trade discussions with the Miami Dolphins involving tight end Jonnu Smith.
With OTAs in full gear, there is no rush, but there are some quality free agents who could sign with Pittsburgh. Here are some free agent veterans who jump to mind as proven veteran players at the position, but Khan could get creative and target a top tight end from spring football.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a handful of quality options to replace their injured tight end
Gerald Everett
After signing a fantastic contract with the Chicago Bears in 2024, the expensive free-agent acquisition didn't live up to his paycheck. The Bears cut Everett after signing him to a two-year contract worth $12 million just a year prior. He became a cap casualty, and free agency hasn't been kind to the eight-year veteran.
Everett continues to look for a job, and it could make sense for Pittsburgh to express interest.
After failing to stick with Chicago, it wouldn't cost the Steelers much to sign this free agent. His options are slim, but he could provide quality snaps as the third tight end. He has played up and down the depth chart on each roster he has been on. With OTAs drawing to a close, it might be wise to bring Everett aboard as someone who can help catch passes and throw some blocks.
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Marcedes Lewis
Lewis has made headlines recently after explaining he and Aaron Rodgers would like to retire together. He followed that up by saying he hasn't had contact with Rodgers recently. Perhaps adding Lewis would incentivize Rodgers to expedite his decision. Lewis is one of the most reliable tight ends of his generation, but he has never been a superstar player.
The 41-year-old veteran will head into his 20th season in the NFL if he signs a deal in free agency. He has become a fantastic blocker throughout his career, which could help the tight ends on the Steelers' depth chart.
If Lewis accepts the third role at the position and helps mentor Darnell Washington, then this free-agent addition would make sense.
Sal Canella (UFL)
No one will think of tapping into the United Football League talent, but it's a possibility for Khan. If they want to take a shot in the dark, adding UFL tight end Sal Canella would be sensible. He just earned All-UFL honors at the position, which will catch the attention of NFL teams. Most tight ends in the UFL didn't come close to producing the type of numbers that he did this season.
Canella created 474 receiving yards with a lone touchdown. He appears to be more of a receiving threat than a quality blocker. That might be ok since Khan has expressed interest in adding receiving threats to his roster. Canella has gotten NFL opportunities in the past, but his dominance in the spring league will keep his options open. His addition to the Steelers would help create competition.