The New Orleans Saints are set to assess the capabilities of Sal Cannella, a rising tight end from the United Football League (UFL), this Thursday. This information was initially shared by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. The 27-year-old athlete recently made waves with the Arlington Renegades in the UFL, displaying a blend of size, skill, and consistent production that has put him on the radar of NFL teams.
Cannella's journey began at Auburn University, where he caught 25 passes for 330 yards and five touchdowns over three seasons. Despite these promising stats, he went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. Cannella persevered, honing his skills in the Spring Football League for two years before earning a tryout with the Miami Dolphins in 2021, although he did not make it past training camp cuts.
In the 2022 USFL Draft, Cannella joined the New Orleans Breakers. His performance there was notable, as he secured 34 receptions for 364 yards, earning a spot on the All-USFL team. The Green Bay Packers took notice and signed him during their 2022 training camp, but he was again released before the regular season began.
Cannella's resilience and talent shone through once more in the 2023 XFL season with the Arlington Renegades. He led his team with 42 receptions for 415 yards and was instrumental in their championship-winning campaign. This success earned him another NFL opportunity with the Seattle Seahawks, yet he faced a familiar fate and was released before the season's kickoff.
Returning to the Renegades in the newly formed UFL—emerging from a merger of the USFL and XFL—Cannella led the league with six touchdown receptions. He amassed 53 catches for 497 yards, underscoring his capability as a dynamic receiving tight end with strong downfield presence and excellent open-field skills.
The Saints, who are currently navigating a shortage at the tight end position, could benefit from Cannella's addition. With tight end Juwan Johnson absent on the first day of their mandatory mini-camp and the position lacking depth—beyond Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau, their only significant addition has been undrafted rookie Dallin Holker—the team is in need of reliable targets.
At 6'5" and 242 pounds, Cannella brings a physical presence and proven track record that could make him a valuable asset for the Saints as they seek to bolster their roster ahead of the new season. His varied experience across multiple leagues and his resilience in the face of numerous setbacks could provide the Saints with the boost they need at tight end.
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