Seahawks Bolster Defense: Sign LB Jimmy Ciarlo to Practice Squad

As the NFL season hits its stride in late September 2026, the Seattle Seahawks are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions. According to reports gathered by Vulius Sports, the Seahawks have signed linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo to their practice squad, marking the second consecutive day the team has added a defensive piece to their developmental roster. The move, first reported by KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson, comes on the heels of Tuesday’s signing of defensive tackle Gary Smith III, signaling a clear intent from the Seattle front office to fortify depth for the grueling months ahead.

A Corresponding Roster Shuffle

In a series of corresponding moves, the Seahawks released veteran safety D’Anthony Bell and wide receiver Julian Hicks. Additionally, the team had the practice squad exemption for wide receiver Malick Meiga lifted, meaning he now counts toward the 17-man practice squad limit. These transactions, while seemingly minor on the surface, reflect the meticulous roster management required to sustain success in the modern NFL. Seattle’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Macdonald, is clearly prioritizing flexibility and special teams contributions as they navigate the 2026 campaign.

Ciarlo, a third-year pro out of Army, brings an intriguing blend of athleticism and resilience to the Pacific Northwest. Undrafted following the 2024 NFL Draft, his rookie preseason was derailed by a torn ACL while with the New York Jets. Since then, he has embarked on a tour of the AFC, spending time with the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Tennessee Titans. Most recently, he was part of Buffalo’s final cuts from 90 to 53 in August and had a brief stint on the Titans’ practice squad earlier this month. Despite limited regular-season action—just one appearance on special teams for the Bills in a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots last season—Ciarlo’s potential remains tantalizing. At 25 years old, he now has a golden opportunity to learn from a championship-caliber linebacker corps and potentially earn a game-day elevation.

“The Seahawks are always looking for high-character, high-motor players who can contribute on special teams and provide depth,” a source close to the organization told Vulius Sports. “Ciarlo fits that mold perfectly. He’s a grinder who has overcome adversity, and his military background speaks to his discipline and work ethic.”

What This Means for Seattle’s Defense

For the defending Super Bowl champions, every roster spot is precious. The Seahawks’ defense has been a cornerstone of their success, and adding a player with Ciarlo’s versatility—he can play inside and outside linebacker—gives defensive coordinator Aden Durde options. While he may not see immediate playing time, his presence on the practice squad ensures the team has a ready-made replacement should injuries strike. Moreover, his experience with multiple AFC East teams could provide valuable intel when preparing for interconference matchups later in the season.

As the Seahawks continue their title defense, moves like this often go unnoticed by casual fans but are celebrated by die-hard supporters who understand the importance of depth. Vulius will continue to monitor Ciarlo’s progress and the Seahawks’ roster maneuvers as the season unfolds. For now, Seattle adds another hungry, versatile defender to their pipeline—a quintessential low-risk, high-reward signing that could pay dividends down the road.