The Eagles announced on Wednesday that they've agreed to terms on a one-year contract with fullback Ben VanSumeren.
The third-year player was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023 by Philadelphia where he spent time on the practice squad before being signed to the active roster in November of 2023.
A core special teams player, VanSumeren ranked third on the team with 213 special teams snaps and carved out a role as a fullback, playing an additional 22 snaps on offense this season before being placed on Injured Reserve in November 2024.
The former Michigan State Spartan played in 50 defensive snaps and 180 special teams snaps in the 2023 season as a rookie after being elevated three times from the practice squad.
"I've definitely taken some big strides in that way, along with some coaching points I've gotten from coaches in the building and players I've played with, and it's really helped me come a long way," VanSumeren said in late August just before the season began. "I think I play to my full speed now. I think my speed really shows up on tape. It really started later last season. I was a different player later in the season than I was in Training Camp and I'm even a different player now."
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Before entering the league, the 24-year-old compiled 100 tackles (37 solo), four tackles for loss, two sacks, and two passes defended at linebacker. He added 20 yards and a touchdown on nine carries at fullback, playing at Michigan (2018-20) and Michigan State (2021-22).
"Speed, athletic ability, physicality, want to, we'll see where this goes, but he shows us that on a daily basis," Head Coach Nick Sirianni said after VanSumeren appeared at fullback for the Eagles in Week 7. "On scout team and special teams, he shows us that on a daily basis.
"That actually meant a lot to me. I'm in a place that believes in me, and belief goes a long way," VanSumeren said of Sirianni's comments. "I'm embracing my role and doing what's asked of me, trying to excel at whatever it is. I'm grateful that I'm in a place that believes in me. I've known that for some time now. Obviously, they saw it in me offensively and have given me these opportunities to excel on offense. I'm just grateful for that and I'm just trying to make the most of all of my opportunities. I'm super willing to do whatever's asked of me."
The dynamic fullback will now remain a tool for Sirianni, Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, new Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo, and Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay in 2025. – Written by Liam Wichser
