The Buffalo Bills added an intriguing and resilient piece to their offensive backfield on Wednesday, officially signing fullback Ben VanSumeren to a one-year contract, as announced by the team.
VanSumeren, a 6-foot-2, 238-pound former Michigan State and Ferris State standout, arrives in Orchard Park after spending the last two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Originally an undrafted free agent linebacker, VanSumeren successfully transitioned to fullback in 2024--a move that showcased his rare athleticism and willingness to do the dirty work.
What makes this signing truly remarkable is not just VanSumeren's versatility--it's the sheer adversity he has overcome. In back-to-back seasons, the 25-year-old suffered devastating season-ending injuries that would have ended many careers. In 2023, he tore his ACL. In 2024, on a kickoff coverage play, he suffered a patellar tendon tear. Both injuries require extensive rehabilitation and represent some of the most challenging recoveries in sports.
Yet here he is, signed to an NFL roster, ready to compete.
What VanSumeren Brings to the Bills
First and foremost, the Bills are acquiring an athlete. VanSumeren ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at his pro day as a linebacker--remarkable speed for a 238-pound player. That athleticism has translated to special teams, where he has been a core contributor when healthy. In 2023, before his ACL tear, he appeared in 12 games for the Eagles and logged 113 special teams snaps, earning high marks from Philadelphia's coaching staff.
Now fully healthy and cleared to compete, VanSumeren will enter a fullback competition for the Bills. Buffalo has used a fullback in various packages under offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. in recent seasons, typically as a lead blocker in short-yardage and goal-line situations, as well as a pass protector out of the backfield. The team has cycled through options at the position over the past few years, and VanSumeren offers a different skill set than previous players.
His background as a linebacker means he understands leverage, angles, and physicality in ways a traditional fullback might not. In the run game, that could translate into a punishing lead blocker who can identify and attack the correct gaps. In pass protection, his experience diagnosing routes and covering backs could make him a versatile weapon for blitz pickups.
The Special Teams Angle
If there is one area where VanSumeren can lock down a roster spot, it is on special teams. The Bills have long prioritized specialists who contribute in all three phases, and special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers has a track record of developing core special teams players from unlikely backgrounds.
VanSumeren was a standout on coverage units in Philadelphia before his injuries. His speed and tackling ability translate immediately to kickoff and punt coverage. If he can demonstrate full recovery from his two major surgeries, he could carve out a role as a 53-man roster player who dresses on Sundays primarily for special teams but also provides depth at fullback.
Given that the Bills will be looking for cost-effective contributors as they manage the salary cap, a player like VanSumeren--who can play one offensive position and cover kicks--represents excellent value on a one-year deal.
Overcoming Two Catastrophic Injuries
The story of VanSumeren's NFL career to date is one of perseverance. After going undrafted in 2023, he latched on with the Eagles as a linebacker and made the initial 53-man roster. He appeared in 12 games before a torn ACL ended his rookie season. The Eagles liked his potential enough to bring him back, and he converted to fullback in 2024.
In the 2024 season opener, VanSumeren suffered a patellar tendon tear on a kickoff. That injury is often considered even more difficult to return from than an ACL tear, as it involves the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Full recovery typically takes 12 to 18 months, and some players never regain their previous explosiveness.
That VanSumeren has now signed a contract with the Bills--a team known for its rigorous medical evaluations and conditioning standards--suggests he has passed his physical and is ready to compete. It is a testament to his work ethic and mental toughness.
What This Means for the Bills' Roster
With VanSumeren in the fold, the Bills now have a dedicated fullback on the roster heading into offseason workouts and training camp. General manager Brandon Beane has consistently emphasized competition at every position, and the fullback spot was one of the more open battles entering the spring.
The move also signals that the coaching staff intends to maintain a fullback role in the offense despite the NFL trend leaning toward spread concepts and 11 personnel. Buffalo has used fullbacks in short-yardage and jumbo packages, and having a physical, athletic option like VanSumeren could give offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. more flexibility.
If VanSumeren wins the job, he would join a backfield that includes running backs James Cook III and others, along with quarterback Josh Allen, who has already shown chemistry with lead blockers. His ability to pick up blitzes and create running lanes could be especially valuable in goal-line and fourth-and-short situations--areas where the Bills have been effective but always seek improvement.
The Outlook
This is not a headline-grabbing signing. VanSumeren is not expected to move the needle on betting odds or sell jerseys. However, this is exactly the kind of addition that general managers and coaches appreciate: an undervalued player with unique traits who has proven he can overcome adversity.
If VanSumeren stays healthy and returns to his pre-injury form, the Bills could gain a core special teams player and a quality fullback on a minimum contract. If he doesn't make the final roster, the investment is minimal.
Given his journey--from undrafted linebacker to fullback, through two major knee surgeries, and back to an NFL contract--it is easy to root for Ben VanSumeren. In a league where toughness and resilience are prerequisites, he has already proven he possesses both in abundance.
The Bills will begin offseason workouts soon, and all eyes will be on how VanSumeren moves, how he absorbs the playbook, and whether he can finally stay on the field. If he does, Buffalo may have found a hidden gem.
One thing is certain: VanSumeren has earned this opportunity the hard way. Now it is up to him to make the most of it.
