On Thursday afternoon it was first reported by KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson that the Bucs will be signing tight end Sal Cannella.
Cannella, 27, is coming off a big season with the Arlington Renegades in the UFL and will add more depth to the room as Tanner Taula opened training camp with an injury. He takes the roster spot of outside linebacker Randy Gregory, who was recently placed on the reserve/did not report list.
New Bucs TE Sal Cannella Had A Standout Year In The UFL
Sal Cannella has built up quite the resume in spring football over the past couple of seasons. While Cannella has had brief stints with the Dolphins, Packers, and Seahawks since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn in 2020, he established himself as the top tight end in the UFL last season.
He led all tight ends with 53 catches for 496 yards, while his six touchdowns led all UFL players. Listed at 6-5, 242 pounds, he profiles as more of a red-zone threat with his size, but he also showed that he can open up the middle of the field and provide a reliable set of hands.
Currently, Cade Otton leads the Bucs tight end depth chart, with Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, and Devin Culp competing to fill in the depth behind him.
It is a position where Tampa Bay will be looking to get more depth and production, and Cannella has an opportunity to latch on.
Tanner Taula and David Wells remain on the active roster and stayed on the practice squad last year, but if Sal Cannella can make some plays and show off the abilities that made him a weapon in the UFL, he could put his name in the hat to make the practice squad and provide further competition to the rest of the room.
