One of the biggest, yet most untalked about reasons why the Buffalo Bills have established a phenomenal rushing attack the last couple of seasons was because of the services of fullback Reggie Gilliam. He played the role of an unsung hero who helped open up the holes that allowed James Cook to start his stride and pick up a huge gain, or even head towards the endzone.
Gilliam had been with the Bills the last six seasons, but now he has moved on. Early on in free agency, he had agreed to terms to join the New England Patriots to now be part of a Josh McDaniels offense. New England gave Gilliam a three-year deal worth up to $12 million, per Mike Garafolo.
This signing by the Patriots left the Bills with a hole that was being overlooked. However, they didn’t address the position in free agency or even during the draft. Once the NFL Draft came to a conclusion, they had signed Wisconsin fullback Jackson Acker early on in the process.
Acker has the same abilities as Gilliam, but he can also play as a running back when needed as well. He showed that at the University of Wisconsin, and even though the Bills also signed Ben VanSumeran from the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency who can play fullback, this position should be Acker’s position to lose.
FB Jackson Acker pinned as potential starter sooner than later
Alex Kay from Bleacher Report pointed out four undrafted free agent players who are sleepers that are most likely to be a starter in 2026, and Acker was listed for the Bills which isn’t a surprise at all.
"The Bills will be able to make good use of that utility under first-year head coach Joe Brady. Acker has the power and frame to move the chains in short-yardage scenarios and can punch in scores at the goal line. He also has the hands and pass-catching chops to potentially add an additional weapon for Josh Allen to leverage in Buffalo's offense. Acker tallied 276 receiving yards and three scores on 37 receptions during his time in Madison." said Kay.
Fullback is one of those positions that doesn’t get a lot of love, but it should, especially when you have a premier rushing attack like the Bills have. Fans already know that Josh Allen is dynamic, but he can’t always be the one that gets the momentum going. That’s where a player like James Cook comes in to take pressure off. However, he needs help as well.
Cook needs great blockers in front of him to take care of the trenches so that he can do what he does best in the second and third levels. Losing Gilliam hurts, but Acker is a quality replacement who provides more versatility.
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