Tampa Bay acquired veteran quarterback Joe Ferguson from…
Tampa Bay acquired veteran quarterback Joe Ferguson from Indianapolis in April 1988 for a 1989 twelfth-round pick, No. 314 William DuBose. Ferguson gave the Buccaneers experienced quarterback depth during the 1988 and 1989 seasons. Because the acquisition cost was extremely late draft capital, Tampa Bay receives a small edge even though the move never became a major success.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1989 twelfth round pick (#314-William DuBose)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Joe Ferguson
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Tampa Bay acquired veteran quarterback Joe Ferguson from Indianapolis on April 29, 1988. The Colts received a 1989 twelfth-round selection, later identified as No. 314 William DuBose. The price reflected Ferguson's age and role: Tampa Bay was buying experienced quarterback depth, while Indianapolis accepted very late draft capital in return. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Return Ferguson appeared for the Buccaneers during the 1988 and 1989 seasons and gave the club an experienced option at the position. He was not acquired to become a long-term franchise quarterback, so the appropriate benchmark is whether Tampa Bay received usable depth for a negligible draft price. On that narrower standard, the Buccaneers obtained reasonable value without surrendering a meaningful premium asset. Indianapolis Colts Return Indianapolis recovered a draft choice rather than losing Ferguson for nothing. That is a defensible move for a veteran who no longer fit the club's future plans. The limitation is the round: a twelfth-round pick carried very little certainty, and No. 314 did not create an outcome strong enough to outweigh the immediate service Tampa Bay received from Ferguson. Value in Hindsight The transaction was small and should be graded that way. Tampa Bay did not uncover a hidden star, while Indianapolis did receive real draft compensation. Still, the Buccaneers bought multiple-season quarterback depth for one of the latest selections available, giving them a slight efficiency advantage. The Colts' return was sensible but comparatively thin. Final Verdict Tampa Bay earns a C+ and Indianapolis a C. The Buccaneers received practical veteran help for minimal draft cost, while the Colts collected a late selection with limited long-term impact. The edge is real but modest, making this a minor Tampa Bay win.