Bills Sign Former Two-way Player From Eagles

The Buffalo Bills have added another weapon to their 2026 roster, signing linebacker-turned-fullback Ben VanSumeren to a one-year contract on Wednesday, April 4. VanSumeren brings an interesting element to Buffalo’s roster, having played both defense and offense at the professional level for the Philadelphia Eagles.

A 6’2”, 231-pound two-way player, VanSumeren wowed analysts and observers alike with a ridiculous Pro Day workout that included a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, , 1.52-second 10-yard split, 2.53 20-yard split, 4.46-second 20-yard shuttle, 7.10-second three-cone drill, 42.5” vertical jump, 10’11” broad jump, and 29 reps on the bench press. Despite the viral workout, VanSumeren’s entry into the NFL was as an undrafted free agent signing with the Eagles following the 2023 NFL Draft.

VanSumeren had only recently switched over to offense for Philadelphia. He served as fullback beginning with the 2025 NFL season, playing in one game within that role before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

With VanSumeren’s season over just as his position switch came to fruition in games, there isn’t much in the way to reveal what sort of player he’s become on offense. As a defender with the Eagles for the 2023 and 2024 NFL seasons, VanSumeren totaled 16 tackles (7 solo) in two starts among 20 games played (per Pro Football Reference).

After allowing long-tenured fullback Reggie Gilliam to test free agency and sign with the New England Patriots, many wondered what that meant for the position overall in Buffalo. One Bills began answering that question in prioritizing it almost immediately following the 2026 NFL Draft, signing undrafted free agent Jackson Acker (Wisconsin).

Here’s what Rumblers are saying about FB Jackson Acker, via The Feed:

What might signing of Ben VanSumeren signal for Bills in 2026?

VanSumeren’s signing perhaps further clouds Buffalo’s intent with regards to big-bodied blocking backs who make a living in front of running back James Cook III (and sometimes in-concert with quarterback Josh Allen). Bills fans well-understood Gilliam’s role, where he annihilated defenders in clearing paths for Cook. At others, Gilliam starred as an adept role model in illustrating Newton’s First Law of Motion during the Shnow Plow.

It’s anyone’s guess as to how or who Buffalo might favor between the rookie Acker and newly converted fullback VanSumeren. There had been enough chatter to question the efficacy of a fullback in the Bills’ offense if it meant telegraphing plays to their opponent.

VanSumeren is indeed an intriguing add, but it will be interesting to see if fullbacks continue as featured parts of the offense. Perhaps there’s room for new (first-time) head coach Joe Brady to dial in the same plays while using tight ends, namely Jackson Hawes or Dawson Knox. Introducing an element of surprise out of the fullback responsibility could go a long way toward improving the Bills’ offense in 2026.

It’s also possible that VanSumeren makes most of his hay on special teams, an area many will recall that favored Gilliam’s skill set. Regardless, VanSumeren is a name to watch in the months ahead.