Bills Address Run Game Depth with VanSumeren Addition as McBroom Contract Expires

The Buffalo Bills have signed fullback Ben VanSumeren to a one-year deal, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations. The move comes as the team continues to reshape its offensive personnel ahead of the 2024 season and represents the organization's commitment to establishing a more physical run game identity under head coach Sean McDermott.

VanSumeren, who spent the previous two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, brings NFL experience to a Bills offensive unit that ranked in the middle of the league in rushing yards per game last season. Per sources, the deal includes a veteran minimum salary with performance incentives that could push the value higher depending on snap counts and postseason play. The signing was announced on Wednesday morning through official team channels.

Multiple sources confirm that the acquisition of VanSumeren signals the organization's intention to move away from relying solely on receiving threats out of the backfield in favor of a more traditional, power-running scheme that complements star running back James Cook. The Bills' offensive line, anchored by left tackle Dion Dawand Jones and right tackle Spencer Brown, has shown capability to move bodies in the ground game, and VanSumeren provides the second-level blocker necessary to maximize those assets.

The Bills previously carried fullback Reggie Gilliam on their roster, but sources indicate the organization wanted to add depth and competition at the position. VanSumeren's arrival does not preclude the team from exploring other options at the spot, but it does represent a clear statement of intent regarding how the offense will be constructed moving forward. The coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Joe Brady, has emphasized the importance of a balanced attack that can control line of scrimmage play and dictate terms against larger defensive fronts.

From a cap perspective, the one-year deal is structured in a way that provides minimal long-term commitment while maximizing flexibility for other roster moves. Sources with knowledge of the Bills' financial situation confirm that the organization maintains significant cap space heading into training camp, with approximately 7 to 8 million dollars remaining depending on how certain veteran minimums are allocated. The VanSumeren contract does not trigger any dead cap charges or future financial obligations, making it a low-risk, high-reward addition that fits the team's overall financial strategy.

The Bills have been aggressive in the secondary and along the defensive line during the offseason, allocating significant resources to improve their pass rush and coverage capabilities. However, per sources, the organization recognizes that defensive improvements are only as effective as the offense's ability to sustain drives and control game tempo. By investing in the fullback position, the Bills are making a statement about ball control and time of possession as legitimate strategic priorities that complement their defensive personnel investments.

VanSumeren, who went undrafted in 2021 out of the University of Iowa, has appeared in 31 games across his NFL career. His work with the Cardinals included both regular season contributions and exposure to a playoff environment, providing him with valuable experience that translates directly to the Bills' Super Bowl aspirations. Sources confirm that the coaching staff viewed tape of VanSumeren's performance in Arizona and were impressed with his willingness to engage in combative blocking situations and his ability to create lanes for running backs in short-yardage scenarios.

The timing of this signing is notable given the team's current depth chart composition. The Bills currently project to carry James Cook as their primary back with potential contributions from Anthony McBroom, who is scheduled to be a restricted free agent next offseason. McBroom had a solid 2023 season with the team but the addition of VanSumeren suggests the organization may be preparing contingency plans should McBroom's contract negotiations become complicated. Multiple sources indicate that the Bills want to establish clear depth and competition at every position, and a healthy fullback room achieves that objective while also providing coaching flexibility in terms of personnel groupings.

The move also reflects the broader NFL trend of teams recognizing the value of power run game specialists, particularly as pass defenses have become increasingly sophisticated and salary caps have forced difficult allocation decisions. By signing VanSumeren to a veteran minimum deal, the Bills avoid overinvesting in a position while still addressing a genuine roster need. The contract structure allows the team to make adjustments at other positions if injuries or performance issues emerge during the preseason evaluation period.

Defensively, the Bills have made significant moves aimed at bolstering their pass rush through trades and free agent acquisitions. The offensive line investments and the VanSumeren signing suggest the coaching staff is preparing to balance those defensive improvements with an aggressive ground game that can shorten games and reduce exposure for the secondary. This philosophy aligns with McDermott's historical coaching preferences and has shown success in previous seasons when the Bills have been able to establish run game dominance against inferior offensive lines.

From a roster construction perspective, per sources, the Bills are operating with a clear vision for how they want to attack teams in 2024. The offensive line is young and talented. The running back room is anchored by a dynamic performer in Cook. Adding a fullback who can seal edges and create movement in the trenches completes a strategic puzzle that the coaching staff believes positions them favorably in the AFC East and beyond.

The next thing to watch involves how the Bills utilize VanSumeren during the upcoming training camp and preseason. Sources confirm that the coaching staff will evaluate whether the fullback can effectively execute in a spread passing attack while also maintaining his physicality in run game situations. The team is also monitoring developments with other fullback acquisitions around the league, as the position continues to evolve in terms of versatility and positional flexibility.