The Buffalo Bills emphasized retooling their fullback position after the 2026 NFL Draft and throughout free agency. With former starter Reggie Gilliam now on the AFC East division rival, the New England Patriots, the Bills will have a two-way position battle between a rising undrafted free agent and a Super Bowl-winning veteran who was just released from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Former Wisconsin Badger, Jackson Acker, is a big fullback at 6-foot-1, 250 pounds, and is recognized for his power and the ability to make the tough catches out of the backfield and run with the ball in his hands.
On the other hand, Ben VanSumeren is a former Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles who was converted from a linebacker to a fullback to assist the Eagles' Tush Push play. If he wins the job, he will have the same opportunity to support Josh Allen in the Bills' version of the Tush Push play.
Let's take a look at who the Bills could be starting at fullback in 2026.
Offensive two-man contest at fullback
Jackson Acker
Many teams in the NFL no longer use the fullback position. Luckily for Jackson Acker, the Bills are one team that does. The Bills signed Acker after a five-year collegiate career with the Big Ten's Wisconsin Badgers.
The 2023 season saw Acker play tight end, where he tallied 322 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He also collected 19 catches for 108 yards and an additional touchdown. With all the versatility the talented fullback brings to the team, he can be used in different formations and on special teams.
Ben VanSumeren
Ben VanSumeren will be another skilled player in the fullback room, competing with Acker for the team's starting fullback spot. VanSumeren is a smaller type of fullback, but he is taller than Ackers at 6-foot-2 and weighs less at a lean 231 pounds.
His capability to move around as an all-around chess piece should inspire confidence in his versatility and planned options for head coach Joe Brady.
Plus, VanSumeren is a veteran with more experience than the rookie Acker. Now with Josh Allen as his quarterback, he would earn the opportunity to help push Allen from behind should he win the starting fullback job in training camp.
Whether it's Jackson Acker, who would be the starter as a rookie UDFA, or Ben VanSumeren as the veteran starter, both of these players bring the versatility and the skills Joe Brady is looking for in his offense at the fullback position. Only time will tell who will win the competition and become the starter in Week 1.
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