Salvatore Cannella (born December 2, 1996) is an American professional football tight end for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Auburn Tigers. After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, he played for the TSL Generals of The Spring League (TSL). He also played for the New Orleans Breakers of the United States Football League (USFL) and the Arlington Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). Cannella made his NFL regular season debut in 2025 with the Browns.
Early life Cannella was born in Schaumburg, Illinois, but grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He reportedly did not play football his junior year at high school at St. Viator High School, in order to focus on basketball.
College career Cannella attended Scottsdale Community College where he hauled in 29 receptions for 443 yards and seven touchdowns over 10 games. On September 3, 2016, Cannella had a career high six catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns against Glendale Community College. In 2017, he transferred to Auburn University. His first touchdown with the Tigers came on a six-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham against No. 6 Washington on September 3, 2018. On January 1, 2020, in the Outback Bowl against Minnesota Cannella caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Bo Nix. Cannella appeared in 37 games over three seasons for the Tigers and had 25 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns.
Professional career
Cannella was an undrafted free agent exiting the 2020 NFL draft, and did not sign with a team.
TSL Generals Cannella played in the 2020 The Spring League Fall season for the TSL Generals. In 2020, Cannella had 12 receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns in just three games. He also had an additional five catches for 66 yards and one touchdown in the championship game. He was a key part of the Generals championship winning team in 2020, and as a result earned a workout with the Indianapolis Colts. However, Cannella did not sign, and returned to the Generals for the 2021 The Spring League season. In 2021, Cannella caught eight passes for 97 yards. Following the season, he was invited to a mini-camp held by the Chicago Bears but did not sign.
Miami Dolphins On August 2, 2021, Cannella signed with the Miami Dolphins, and spent four days on the roster before being cut.Schad, Joe (@schadjoe). "Dolphins sign TEs Sal Cannella and Kalif Jackson." 2 August 2021, 10:54 a.m. Tweet.
New Orleans Breakers Cannella was drafted number 2 overall in the tight end's phase of the 2022 USFL draft by the New Orleans Breakers. During the season, Cannella accumulated 34 receptions for 368 yards, with two touchdowns, and was named to the All-USFL Team.
Green Bay Packers On July 20, 2022, the Green Bay Packers announced that they had signed Cannella. Cannella was cut by the team on August 16.
Arlington Renegades Cannella was drafted 7th overall in the Skill Positions Phase of the 2023 XFL draft by the Arlington Renegades. He was the first tight end selected. During the regular season, Cannella was targeted 63 times and made 42 receptions for 415 yards. He was the Renegades' leading receiver, and was also second among receiving yards for tight ends, behind only Cody Latimer. Cannella later won the 2023 XFL Championship Game with the Renegades. He was released from his contract on August 21, 2023.
Seattle Seahawks On August 21, 2023, Canella signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He was waived on August 27.
On October 10, 2023, the Minnesota Vikings hosted Cannella for a workout, but no deal was reached.
Arlington Renegades (second stint) On February 25, 2024, Cannella re-signed with the Renegades. Cannella finished the season and led the league with a career-high six receiving touchdowns. He finished first among tight ends with 497 receiving yards and 53 catches.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cannella signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on July 25, 2024. He was waived on August 27.
Arlington Renegades On February 25, 2025, Cannella re-signed with the Renegades. On June 2, Cannella was selected to the All-UFL Team.
Cleveland Browns On June 19, 2025, Cannella signed with the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was waived on August 24 and re-signed to the practice squad three days later. After spending the first 16 weeks of the season on the practice squad, Cannella was elevated to the active roster for the Browns' Week 17 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and made his regular-season debut in that game, catching two passes for 11 yards.
Cannella signed a reserve/future contract with Cleveland on January 5, 2026. On May 9, Cannella was waived by the Browns.
St. Louis Battlehawks On May 19, 2026, Cannella signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Career statistics Legend Led the league League champion Bold Career high Spring football Regular season Year Team League Games Receiving 2022 NO USFL 10 9 34 368 10.8 39 2 2023 ARL XFL 10 7 42 415 9.8 31 0 2024 ARL UFL 10 6 53 497 9.4 46 6 2025 ARL 10 10 44 474 10.8 40 1 2026 STL 2 0 1 3 3.0 3 0 Career 44 32 176 1,768 10.0 46 9
Postseason Year Team League Games Receiving 2022 NO USFL 1 1 12 154 12.8 25 0 2023 ARL XFL 2 1 6 89 14.8 41 1 2026 STL UFL 1 0 4 34 8.5 12 0 Career 5 2 22 277 12.6 41 1
NFL Year Team Games Receiving 2025 CLE 2 0 2 11 5.5 6 0 Career 2 0 2 11 5.5 6 0
College YearTeamGamesReceivingGPRecYardsAvgTD 2016 Scottsdale CC102944315.27 2017 Auburn1133110.30 2018 Auburn13121119.23 2019 Auburn131018818.82 Career475477314.312
References
External links Auburn Tigers bio