Former Auburn Pass Catcher Earns Opportunity with Cleveland Browns originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
A former Auburn Tigers offensive playmaker is getting another opportunity to make an NFL roster.
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On Saturday, JUCO Football Frenzy announced former Scottsdale Community College Artichokes and Auburn tight end Sal Cannella will sign with the sCleveland Browns.
Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; A detailed view of an Auburn Tigers helmet on the sideline of the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field.© Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
In a corresponding move, Cleveland waived TE Tre’ McKitty.
Cannella continues to try and break into the NFL, with Cleveland being his fifth team since leaving Auburn in 2019. He has also signed with the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His strong performances in other professional leagues have kept him on the NFL radar. He most recently played for the Arlington Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). He posted 44 receptions for 474 yards and a touchdown, earning All-UFL honors.
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He also played with Arlington in 2024, recording 53 catches for 497 yards and six touchdowns. In 2023, he also turned in another 40 receptions during the season.
The six-foot-five pass catcher spent three seasons in The Planes, catching 25 passes for 330 yards and five touchdowns. He had a career-best 42 receiving yards in the team’s massive neutral site victory over Justin Herbert and the Oregon Ducks in 2019. Meanwhile, only Seth Williams and Darius Slayton had more receiving touchdowns than Cannella in 2018, the team’s final season with quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
Before his time with Auburn, Cannella spent two seasons at Scottsdale Community College. He scored seven touchdowns in his final season before signing with the Tigers.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.