Bills Trade Ferguson to the Lions

Veteran quarterback Joe Ferguson, a starter for just about all of his 12 years as a Buffalo Bill, was traded to the Detroit Lions Tuesday night for an undisclosed draft pick in 1986.

“You can’t say enough about what Joe Ferguson did for the Buffalo franchise in the 12 seasons he was the starting quarterback here,” Buffalo Coach Kay Stephenson said.

“But as is often the case in any athlete’s career, I realize, and I think Joe does also, that the time has come for him to move on and for the Bills to head in a new direction under new leadership.”

Ferguson would not talk to reporters Tuesday night, Thalman said, but is expected to meet with the media today.

On the NFL’s all-time list of quarterbacks, Ferguson is currently 12th in passes attempted (4,166), 13th in completions (2,188), 17th in passing yards (27,590) and 20th in touchdowns (181).

Ferguson had 107 consecutive starts for the Bills when he suffered an ankle injury against the New York Jets early last season. He returned later in the season but was ineffective and was replaced by Joe Dufek.