The Buffalo Bills made a big addition to their linebacker room this offseason, drafting a rookie who is expected to take on a significant role in 2026.
That could mean the end of the line for a popular linebacker, whose unlikely rise to the active roster last season drew national attention thanks to the ever-present “Hard Knocks” cameras.
Bills May Not Have Room for Jimmy Ciarlo
USA Today’s Nick Wojton offered an early projection of the team’s final 53-man roster, predicting the Bills would keep just four linebackers — Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Joe Andreesen, and rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr.
Though all of the other linebackers have been with the team for at least two seasons, Wojton predicted that Elarms-Orr could work his way to the top of the depth chart at linebacker.
“Elarms-Orr and Andreesen have had positive reviews this spring as backups. Elarms-Orr could even push Williams to start,” Wojton wrote.
That would mean Jimmy Ciarlo, who became a popular player last season after being featured on “Hard Knocks,” would fail to make the final roster. Ciarlo was a late addition to training camp but excelled through the preseason, making 11 total tackles and a fumble recovery through three games.
Though Ciarlo was waived on August 26 as part of the team’s final roster cuts, he returned to the practice squad and was called up for the team’s Week 5 game against the New England Patriots. Ciarlo was released in November, but returned to the team in January on a reserve/futures contract.
Ciarlo first came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets in 2024, but suffered a torn ACL in his preseason debut and was later waived.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr Expected to Take on Big Role
The Bills could hand a big opportunity to the rookie Elarms-Orr, who earned buzz prior to the NFL draft. NFL.com expert Lance Zeirlein predicted he would grow into a strong backup with the potential to start.
“Elarms-Orr is a well-built linebacker with above-average athleticism but problematic instincts,” Zierlein wrote. “He has the speed and athleticism to get to the football from sideline to sideline. However, he frequently struggles with recognizing blocking schemes and too often loses track of play development. He’s rangy but average in zone coverage, with talent as a blitzer worth continued exploration. He will need improved processing but should dial in as a backup with a full-time role on special teams.”
Elarms-Orr could also add versatility by playing on special teams, which the Bills have often called reserve linebackers to do. Andreessen earned a spot on the team two years ago thanks largely to his contributions on the coverage units of special teams, and has grown into a reliable backup.
The Bills have some changing needs after bringing on Jim Leonhard as their defensive coordinator. He promised to take a more aggressive approach up front, counting on the defensive line to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That approach could mean more blitzing, which was a rarity under former head coach Sean McDermott.
Bills Predicted to Cut Ties With Fan-Favorite LB