Former Buffalo Bills' draft bust continues new career in Seattle

The Buffalo Bills' failed franchise QB is back in the football business two decades later.

Dec 17, 2006; Orchard Park, NY, USA: FILE PHOTO; Buffalo quarterback JP Losman (7) carries the ball against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. / Imagn Images

While wanting to forget that his stint with the Buffalo Bills ever happened, one has to admire the failed first-round pick's dedication to the game.

In 2004, the Bills traded back into Round 1 to draft JP Losman with the hopes that the rocket-armed quarterback would be the franchise centerpiece that had been missing since Jim Kelly retired after the 1996 season.

Unfortunately, Losman's ego proved to be bigger than his arm and the once-promising prospect flamed out to the tune of a 10-23 record. The Tulane product completed fewer than 60 percent of his pass attempts as a Bill while accounting for 33 touchdown passes and 34 interceptions.

The 2005 Bills, who finished with the 28th-ranked passing attack, were 1-7 in games started by Losman that season. The team's offensive futility reached a level that earned Losman the "Just Punt" nickname from the disgruntled fan base. He posted a 49.6 completion percentage — the NFL's worst amongst quarterbacks with at least 220 pass attempts — and averaged fewer than 150 pass yards per game.

Sep 16, 2007; Pittsburgh , PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker (51) James Farrior hits Buffalo Bills quarterback (7) JP Losman / Jason Bridge-Imagn Images

Nearly 20 years after his Bills' career unceremoniously ended, Losman is back in the football business. ESPN's Pete Thamel reports that Losman will join the Washington Huskies staff as assistant quarterbacks coach.

RELATED: NFL MVP Josh Allen's simple on-stage message shows immense gratitude

Losman, now 43 years old, joined the coaching ranks in 2017 as coaching intern for Clemson's Dabo Swinney. He was promoted to offensive analyst in 2020. The former No. 22 overall draft selection has been Oklahoma's assistant director of player personnel since 2022.

His post-Bills NFL career consisted of only three appearances, one for the Raiders in 2009 and two for the Dolphins in 2011. He was with the Seahawks in 2010, but never played.

Aug 30, 2007; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback JP Losman (7) completes a pass as he is being tackled by Detroit Lions defensive end Jared DeVries (95) in the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. / Leon Halip-Imagn Images

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI  —

More Buffalo Bills News:

• Bills must be realistic while deciding on James Cook contract extension

• Bills' Pro Bowler makes impassioned sales pitch to Myles Garrett

• Brandon Beane vows to explore options for troubled spot on Bills' defense

• Former Bills react publicly to head coach Dick Jauron's passing

• Ex-NFL QB Dan Orlovsky's two moves that could propel Bills to Super Bowl