With the calendar set to turn the page to April in just a handful of days, NFL free agency is beginning to wind down. Unfortunately, this has left some members of the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles' roster still searching for their next football home as the rest of the league seemingly turns its attention to the draft.
Despite having served as a quasi-utility player during his tenure in the City of Brotherly Love, it seems safe to say that Ben VanSumeren has taken the field as a member of the Eagles for the final time.
As unfair as it may seem to the former linebacker turned fullback, the torn patellar tendon he suffered against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 of the 2025 campaign effectively forced Philadelphia to go in a different direction, and Howie Roseman feels comfortable heading into 2026 with either Cameron Latu holding down that responsibility on offense.
Ben VanSumeren's Injury Forced Philadelphia to Move On
While there could be a slim possibility VanSumeren returns on a minimum, team-friendly contract if the well runs dry for him elsewhere in the league, the likelihood of that occurring, given his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, seems like something fans shouldn't be willing to hold their breath waiting on. This is especially true after suffering an injury as serious as a torn patellar tendon.
With new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion having never called plays before, whatever scheme he intends to employ offers no hints as to the type of personnel fans can expect to see on the field when Jalen Hurts and company have the ball. VanSumeren not receiving a tender from the front office doesn't eliminate the possibility that a fullback will be relied upon to help clear the way for Saquon Barkley; it just makes it clear that the former Michigan State standout doesn't fit into Mannion's plans.
Given VanSumeren's career statistics of just one reception for 11 yards, to go along with 16 total tackles over 21 games, it is hard to think that type of production wouldn't be replaceable.
What Philadelphia does next at that spot, if anything, will likely be revealed during April's NFL draft. Roseman's approach to any additions to the RB room, as the top spots in the pecking order seem relatively set already, will help tell the story of what this group will look like come September.
On VanSumeren's end of this business decision, his tenure in Philly may have ended. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see the soon-to-be 26-year-old latch on with another team that believes his versatility would benefit its program.