Pair of Spartans In the NFL Heading to Next Destinations, One to Detroit

After the undrafted free agent frenzy calmed down in the NFL, with multiple Michigan State football players reaching deals, teams shifted their attention back to the regular free agency. After the Draft had concluded, teams were free to sign any player without it hurting their chances for compensatory selections during the 2027 NFL Draft.

As a result, more teams were active, acquiring more depth and other players as teams begin the build up to summer camp and the NFL season officially beginning. Among the names for players finding their next destinations were two Michigan State football alumni, those being Ben VanSumeren and Joe Bachie.

Ben VanSumeren To Buffalo

VanSumeren was a starting linebacker for the Spartans in his final campaign during the 2022 season, forgoing one final season of eligibility for the NFL Draft. The former Michigan fullback, now Spartan linebacker, went undrafted, but had eye-popping numbers at his Pro Day.

The Philadelphia Eagles came calling for VanSumeren, and that had been his only stop in the NFL previously. VanSumeren was part of the Super Bowl LIX winning roster during his time.

Last season, however, was a short one for the Spartan. On the opening kickoff of the game and season, VanSumeren tore his patellar tendon, ending his season. As of now, he has 16 career tackles and one career catch.

Buffalo signed him earlier in the week and recently announced that he will be wearing the number 45.

Joe Bachie Heads Home

The news that dominated headlines for Michigan State fans came in the form of former All-Big Ten linebacker Joe Bachie getting inked to his next deal. Bachie came to terms to sign on with the Detroit Lions as they head towards summer camp.

The Spartan had three consecutive All-Big Ten seasons with Michigan State, headlined by being first team All-Big Ten in 2018. He was also named a team captain for 2019. However, a suspension from the Big Ten for performance-enhancing drugs ended his senior campaign. Bachie claimed it was a tainted over-the-counter supplement at the time.

In part due to that, Bachie went undrafted before signing with the New Orleans Saints after the 2020 Draft. He was waived, and then signed with and made his professional debut with the Eagles. Bachie then headed back to his home state of Ohio, playing with the Bengals for four seasons.

He spent last season with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. Over the course of his career, he has 77 tackles and two pass deflections in 66 career games, with seven starts.

Bachie heads back to the state of Michigan the same offseason as his brother-in-law, Max Bullough, as the fellow former Spartan linebacker and captain returned to Michigan State football after Pat Fitzgerald hired him as linebacker coach and co-defensive coordinator.