Bills Central

'Hard Knocks' star continues magical run for Bills in preseason vs. Bucs

Jimmy Ciarlo adds to his case of making Buffalo's 53-man roster after performance against Buccaneers
Khari Demos|
Former Army Black Knights linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo (7).
Former Army Black Knights linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo (7). | Danny Wild-Imagn Images

In this story:

Buffalo Bills | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings

Jimmy Ciarlo's story is one so hard not to root for. And as more time goes on, he looks like he could be earning a spot on the Buffalo Bills' 53-man roster.

The former Army team captain did it again, making plays to help the Bills notch their first win of the preseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not only did he record five total tackles (four solos), but he also recorded one of two fumble recoveries for Buffalo in the game.

Bills' writer Ryan Talbot talked about Ciarlo's start in Buffalo during his tryout and how it was chronicled on the Tampa Bay broadcast.

"Well, I understand," said Talbot, who quoted the players who tried out with Ciarlo. "I'm going to figure that you're going to sign Ciarlo. He looked great out there."

RELATED: 3 Bills' stars from 'Hard Knocks' Episode 3 including new guy who was cut Wednesday

The coolest part of it all is that his story is matched just as much by his play on the field. A two-time captain at West Point, Ciarlo’s first opportunity in the NFL came with the Jets in 2024. And although he signed with Buffalo's AFC East rival, he missed the season due to injury.

But even despite that, he caught the eye of the Bills' brass prior to injury.

The groundswell for the team to sign Ciarlo has grown so much. From Brian Baldinger giving a "Baldy Breakdown" on Ciarlo and local pundits pounding the table for him to Buffalo fans voicing their opinions on wanting him on the team, the Army alumnus has lots of support for him to make the 53-man roster.

Even the Bills' MVP QB1 has become a fan of Ciarlo. But again, considering the tape he's put out there throughout this preseason, it will be hard for Brandon Beane to not keep Ciarlo on the roster come cutdown day.

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI  —

More Buffalo Bills News:

Published | Modified
Khari Demos
KHARI DEMOS

Khari Demos is an award-winning sports media creator and is a contributor for Bills On SI. He has written sports betting article covering the NFL for The Athletic and has written pieces about the NBA, MLB, college football and basketball, and more, throughout his career.

Home/News