The Buffalo Bills made an addition to their roster after the NFL Draft.
Buffalo had a productive NFL Draft, but the Bills still have a couple of holes on the roster. So, on Wednesday, Buffalo signed fullback Ben VanSumeren to bolster its special teams and potentially replace Reggie Gilliam.
VanSumeren signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2023, after a five-year college career that began at Michigan and ended at Michigan State. Although he is a fullback, he’s also played defensive snaps at linebacker. On Christmas Day, 2023, VanSumeren recorded six tackles while playing 36 defensive snaps in a 33-25 victory over the New York Giants.
In 2024, VanSumeren suffered a season-ending knee injury in November, but still made an impact earlier in the season. He played in 11 games and started 1, while playing 22 snaps of offense and 213 special teams snaps. VanSumeren recorded 3 special teams tackles and 1 reception for 0 yards.
After the 2024 season, VanSumeren signed a one-year, $1,030,000 contract extension with the Eagles on March 12, 2025. He was permanently listed as a fullback and no longer a linebacker. On the opening kickoff of the NFL’s first game of the season, VanSumeren suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear, which ended his season.
Now, weeks after free agency opened, VanSumeren agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills. He’s known as an elite run blocker who helped Saquon Barkley have a historic 2024 season. He will now help block for James Cook, who led the NFL in rushing last season.
Bills Were Looking to Replace Gilliam
Buffalo had a hole at fullback after fan-favorite Reggie Gilliam signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the New England Patriots.
Gilliam played six seasons with the Bills and was a key part of the run game and special teams. However, Buffalo’s division rival jumped at the chance to sign him, leaving a hole on the Bills’ roster.
However, after the NFL Draft, the Bills did sign Wisconsin fullback Jackson Acker to an undrafted free agent deal. Acker has ties to Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, which could help his case to make the 53-man rotser.
“With Reggie Gilliam leaving for the New England Patriots in free agency, the Bills’ roster was without a fullback until signing Acker. He played 50 games for Wisconsin since 2021,” Ralph Ventre of SI.com wrote. “It’s worth noting that Buffalo’s new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was Wisconsin’s interim head coach when Acker became a starter in 2022.”
Acker recorded 8 receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown last season at Wisconsin. He added 15 carries for 55 yards on the ground.
Gilliam Was Beloved in Buffalo
Gilliam was a fan-favorite on the field and off the field among players and fans.
The fullback was also the Bills’ nominee for the 2025 Ed Block Courage Award winner. The award recognizes one player from each club who exemplifies unwavering courage and inspiration through the season, overcoming adversity and being a role model in their community.
“It’s a really cool thing just to have the respect of my teammates in the sense of winning such a big deal of an award,” Gilliam said about the nominee.
Gilliam was a huge part of the Bills’ run game and special teams, and created a hole in Buffalo.
Bills Sign Super Bowl Champion Fullback as Reggie Gilliam Replacement