Bills parting ways with ‘Hard Knocks’ star, but likely only temporarily

Buffalo Bills linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor. Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Bills parting ways with ‘Hard Knocks’ star, but likely only temporarily

Originally posted on Buffalo Bills on SI | By Khari Demos | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 12:35 PM ET

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For a moment, it looked like Jimmy Ciarlo’s magical run with the Buffalo Bills was coming to an end. It has now taken a detour that Ciarlo must be excited about.

The former Army team captain has generated considerable buzz this preseason. From his strong play on special teams to his exploits garnering the attention of NFL pundits like Brian Baldinger, Ciarlo looked like he could be a lock to make the regular season roster. Especially considering that he’s a hybrid linebacker/safety who could contribute while the secondary gets healthy.

But that still was not enough.

Multiple sources reported that Ciarlo was one of several cuts for Buffalo on Tuesday.

That does not mean, however, that the West Point alumnus is done with the Bills.

Jimmy Ciarlo to the #Bills Practice Squad
— Draft Diamonds ™️ (@DraftDiamonds) August 26, 2025

Ciarlo is an easy player to root for. His story was highlighted on the third episode of 'Hard Knocks,' as he made his way back to the NFL after missing the 2024 season due to injury. He was not only making plays on special teams, though, as he showed well in his defensive snaps in Buffalo's win over the Buccaneers.

He did so well that "Baldy" decided to do another breakdown on the two-time captain at Army.

"When he hits you, the play ends," Baldinger said reviewing tape from the Tampa Bay game. "Tackling machine. You watch him, he doesn't fool around, he ain't messing (around)."

There's no question Ciarlo's story is one that they write Hollywood scripts about. But he has been able to match the buzz with legit playmaking ability.

Considering the health of defensive contributors for the Bills, it will be interesting to see if Ciarlo's versatility to play linebacker and safety gets him into the mix by the time the regular season rolls around.

.@BuffaloBills @ciarlo_jimmy i like 2X Captains from West Point on my TEAM...They know how to lead...and they know how to tackle. Hello #Billsmafia #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/ukqVj0ysWO
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 24, 2025