Buffalo Bills
· 2026-07-14
Reggie Gilliam, a key contributor to the Buffalo Bills' offense and special teams since 2020, has joined AFC East rival New England Patriots, leaving a void in Buffalo's backfield. The Bills, currently 6th in the American Football Conference with a 12-5 record and a W1 streak, had attempted to re-sign the veteran fullback before losing him to free agency.
Despite reduced usage in modern NFL offenses, the Bills under new head coach Joe Brady remain committed to the position. Syracuse.com's Ryan Talbot reported that Buffalo intends to evaluate two candidates—veteran Ben VanSumeren and undrafted rookie Jackson Acker—during training camp to replace Gilliam. Gilliam appeared in 21% of offensive snaps and over 77% of special teams snaps last season, providing versatility that will be challenging to replicate.
Ben VanSumeren holds an early advantage over Jackson Acker, who missed spring practices, according to Talbot. However, Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com suggested the Bills might carry only one fullback or stash a player on the practice squad, prioritizing defensive depth under new coordinator Jim Leonhard. This approach mirrors Leonhard's 2025 strategy with the Denver Broncos, who kept 12 defensive linemen.
While Gilliam's departure creates uncertainty, the Bills' core backfield remains intact. James Cook, the NFL rushing champion, returns as the starter, with Ty Johnson and Ray Davis providing support. Davis also assumed primary kick return duties, showcasing the team's flexibility as they prepare for their September 13 opener against the Houston Texans.
The competition at fullback could influence Buffalo's overall roster construction. With Leonhard's defensive emphasis and a potential shift in offensive philosophy under Brady, the team may allocate resources differently compared to previous seasons. Gilliam's absence also highlights the challenges of retaining role players in a competitive AFC East division.