Cleveland Browns tight end Sal Cannella is poised to make his NFL regular-season debut after being elevated from the practice squad on Saturday. This move comes in light of injuries to fellow tight ends David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr., making Cannella available for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cannella, who signed with the Browns on June 19, previously made waves in the United Football League (UFL) playing for the Arlington Renegades in the 2025 season. He recorded 44 receptions for 474 yards and one touchdown, ranking second in receptions and fifth in receiving yards in the UFL’s second season. Although he was cut from the Browns’ roster at the end of the preseason after tallying nine receptions for 67 yards in three exhibition games, the Browns opted to keep him on their practice squad.
Before joining Cleveland, Cannella’s career path included time with the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers without securing a spot on their regular-season rosters. Despite these setbacks, Cleveland recognized his potential and brought him in to bolster their tight end group.
Cannella’s football journey is noteworthy. After finishing his college career at Auburn, he played in the Spring League and the USFL, where he gained significant recognition for his performances. His last notable season in the UFL saw him leading in touchdown receptions, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable tight end.
As Cannella prepares for his debut, fellow athletes elevated from practice squads, such as former Auburn offensive tackle Jack Driscoll with the Steelers and Alabama’s Amari Kight with the Seahawks, also highlight the increasing opportunities for players from diverse backgrounds and paths within the league. Cannella’s rise serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance and the potential for success following a non-traditional route to the NFL.