The Arlington Renegades are releasing tight end Sal Cannella on Thursday as he is signing a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers according to KPRC 2 sports reporter Aaron Wilson. The Renegades will retain his rights should he return to the UFL.
Sal Cannella is six foot five and weighs 230 pounds. The 27-year-old from Schaumburg, Illinois, made 53 catches for 497 yards, and six touchdowns in 10 games for the Arlington Renegades in 2024. He led the UFL in touchdowns (6).
Before Arlington, Cannella went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. He played two seasons for the Generals (TSL) in 2020 and 2021 making 25 catches for 271 yards, and three touchdowns in ten games helping the Generals win the TSL Championship in 2020. He would then sign with the Miami Dolphins on August 2, 2021, but was released three days later.
Next, Cannella was drafted by the New Orleans Breakers (USFL) in the 34th round (265th pick) of the 2022 USFL Draft. In 2022, Cannella made 34 catches for 368 yards, and two touchdowns in ten games. In the South Divisional Semifinals against the Birmingham Stallions, Cannella made 12 catches for 154 yards. He was named to the All-USFL Team after the season.
After the season, Cannella signed with the Green Bay Packers playing two preseason games making three catches for 31 yards but was released at the end of training camp.
The Arlington Renegades drafted Cannella in the first round (7th pick) in Phase 1 of the 2023 XFL Draft. In 2023, Cannella made 42 catches for 415 yards in ten games for the Renegades in 2023. In the playoffs, Cannella made six catches for 89 yards, and one touchdown helping the Renegades win the XFL Championship over the D.C. Defenders.
After the season, Cannella signed with the Seattle Seahawks playing one preseason game making one catch for five yards.
Collegiately, Cannella played two seasons at Scottdale Community College (2015-16) making 29 catches for 443 yards, and seven touchdowns in ten games for the Fighting Artichokes. Then, Cannella transferred to Auburn (2017-19) making 25 catches for 330 yards, five touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 37 games for the Tigers.
