Amid a recent loss at Tight End due to Tyler Neville's season-ending injury, the Battlehawks made a splash in free agency on Tuesday. Per James Larsen, the team the team has signed All-League Tight End Sal Cannella for the final two weeks of the regular season.
Cannella has been a constant fixture in spring football dating back to the Spring League, he's earned NFL opportunities consecutively since 2021, finally breaking in with the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season appearing in two games with the team at the end of the year, recording two receptions for 11 yards.
Recently, Cannella was released by Cleveland allowing him to now join the Battlehawks for their playoff push. Cannella has experienced a high level of success with Battlehawks quarterback Luis Perez during their time with the Arlington Renegades. In 2023, Cannella put together 16 receptions for 222 yards in four games with Perez at the helm, which is most certainly what Head Coach Ricky Proehl hopes for in the coming weeks.
Cannella has registered 183 receptions, for 1861 receiving yards during his time in spring football which is most among Tight Ends, and 3rd most since 2001. The Battlehawks who recently lost Tyler Neville instantly fill the void with a two-time All-League Tight End, with NFL regular season experience who has familiarity with their quarterback. The Battlehawks will look to clinch the 2026 UFL playoffs this weekend, with their second matchup against the Houston Gamblers.