Buffalo sent veteran quarterback Joe Ferguson to Detroit and…
Buffalo sent veteran quarterback Joe Ferguson to Detroit and received a 1986 seventh-round pick that became Mark Pike. Ferguson's Lions tenure produced only eight games and one start in 1985, while Pike spent his entire 13-year NFL career in Buffalo, played 173 games and became the franchise's special-teams tackles leader. A late pick becoming that durable a contributor makes this a decisive Bills win.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 1986 seventh round pick (#178-Mark Pike)
Detroit Lions Received
- player Joe Ferguson
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On April 30, 1985, Buffalo traded veteran quarterback Joe Ferguson to Detroit for a 1986 seventh-round draft choice. That pick became No. 178 overall, which the Bills used on Mark Pike. At the time, the move gave Detroit experienced quarterback depth while allowing Buffalo to obtain future value from a long-time starter whose Bills career had run its course.
Buffalo Bills Return
The Bills turned a seventh-rounder into one of the franchise's most durable special-teams players. Pike spent all 13 of his NFL seasons in Buffalo, appeared in 173 regular-season games and was part of four AFC championship teams. Buffalo later credited him with a franchise-record 255 special-teams tackles. He was not a conventional offensive or defensive star, but his longevity, availability and specialty role represent extraordinary realized value from the 178th pick.
Detroit Lions Return
Ferguson gave Detroit only a short final chapter. In 1985 he appeared in eight games and started once, completing four of 12 passes for 15 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He did not become a sustained starter or multi-year answer for the Lions. Veteran insurance has some value, but this was a limited return compared with what the surrendered pick became.
Value in Hindsight
Late-round picks usually produce modest odds of long careers, which makes Pike's outcome especially important. Buffalo received more than a decade of roster and special-teams value from a selection obtained for a quarterback Detroit used sparingly. The gap in longevity and contribution is enormous.
Final Verdict
Buffalo wins decisively. The Bills earn an A- for transforming Ferguson into Mark Pike's 13-year career. Detroit earns a D+ because Ferguson provided only brief depth and almost no sustained on-field return.