The Buffalo Bills have added FB Ben VanSumeren to fill the void left by Reggie Gilliam. Can this former linebacker return from back-to-back season-ending injuries to make an impact?
One of the more under-the-radar holes the Buffalo Bills have to fill this year is at fullback. Gone is Reggie Gilliam, who signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent after spending six years with the team. But despite the team recently saying they didn't necessarily need to carry a fullback, it appears they are at least looking at them.
The Bills announced on Wednesday evening that they signed fullback Ben VanSumeren to a one-year contract. VanSumeren, who turns 26 in a few days, comes to Buffalo after spending the last three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
VanSumeren joined the Eagles in 2023 as an undrafted free agent as a linebacker. After one season, the team moved him to fullback. He played just 22 offensive snaps in 2024, along with 213 on special teams, but his season ended early due to a knee injury.
After returning for the 2025 season, VanSumeren lasted just one play. On the opening kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys, he tore his patellar tendon, ending his year.
A Bills Reunion: Von Miller Says He Wants To Return
With the Bills, VanSumeren has a chance to restart an NFL career that hasn't really gotten started. He'll compete right away for a roster spot at a position that has proven to be key for Buffalo over the years.
However, he won't be the only fullback on the roster throughout the spring and summer. The team has signed FB Jackson Acker as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin.
Both will have a chance to show what they offer, but that still doesn't guarantee the Bills will have a rostered fullback in 2026. Under new head coach Joe Brady, everything seems to be up in the air with how the roster will be built.
Still, if either of them is going to replace Gilliam, they'll have to prove their worth on both offense and special teams. In VanSumeren's case, he'll also have to prove that he's fully recovered from both knee injuries.
Bills Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Bills. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.