Former Army Black Knights linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo (7). Danny Wild-Imagn Images

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

Originally posted on Buffalo Bills on SI | By Khari Demos | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 5:29 PM ET

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.

Cool story on the broadcast about LB Jimmy Ciarlo. His workout not only impressed the #Bills, but also the other tryout players.

The other tryout players apparently raved about how good Ciarlo looked.

"Well, I understand," a few of the tryout players apparently said on not…
— Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills) August 24, 2025

"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."

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.

Interesting how the broadcast stated that the Bills have a list of free agent players they track that are injured, that’s how they found Jimmy Ciarlo.

Sometimes can get a discount on a player coming off injury.
— Banged Up Bills (@BangedUpBills) August 24, 2025

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.