A fan favorite is returning to Buffalo.
Linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo is one of 12 players returning to the Bills on a reserve/future contract, the team announced Monday.
Undrafted out of Army in 2024, Ciarlo bounced between the Billsâ active roster and practice squad before being released in November.
The 24-year-old is best known for his cameo on HBOâs âHard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills,â in which he became a fan favorite because of his uphill odds to make the practice squad out of training camp.
Ciarlo Spent Time on Bills’ Practice Squad
Ciarlo stood out in the preseason for Buffalo, recording 11 tackles and one fumble recovery in three games. He was released on Aug. 26 as part of final cuts but was brought back the next day on the practice squad.
Ciarlo made his NFL debut in Week 5 against the New England Patriots, logging 13 snaps in a 23-20 loss. But he was released again on Oct. 14 and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad before the Bills cut him for the final time on Nov. 4.
He joined the Miami Dolphinsâ practice squad later that month but did not appear in any games.
Ciarlo Missed Rookie Season With Knee Injury
While his against-all-odds story is inspiring, Ciarlo still faces long odds to become a mainstay on gamedays. Unfortunately, injuries have been a big reason why.
After joining the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent during the 2024 offseason, Ciarlo suffered a torn ACL in his preseason debut and was subsequently waived. He proceeded to spend the entire season on IR before being released on May 8.
As a reserve/future signing, Ciarlo will be part of the Billsâ 90-man roster at the start of the league year with an opportunity to compete for a spot on the teamâs 53-man roster.
The Bills, of course, will head into next season with a new head coach after firing Sean McDermott on Monday..
Bills Sign Three-Time Super Bowl Champion
Some of the reserve/future signings may be familiar to Billsâ fans, as they spent time on the practice squad and the 53-man roster during the regular season.
This includes wide receiver/kick returner Mecole Hardman Jr., who caught a touchdown in Saturdayâs 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. Hardman, who won three Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, was originally signed to Buffaloâs practice squad in November.
Another intriguing name is running back Frank Gore Jr., whose father was a five-time Pro Bowler.
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