Most Career Passing Yards by a Buffalo Bills Player
Buffalo hasn’t always been a quarterback factory, but when they get it right, they get it really right. Jim Kelly set the standard during the Bills’ four straight Super Bowl appearances, and now Josh Allen is charging up the charts with highlight-reel throws and record-breaking production. This list blends legends, underdogs, and a few surprises from the past five decades.
TOP 10 LIST
10. J.P. Losman – 6,211 Yards
Drafted to be the franchise QB in the 2000s, Losman never quite hit that ceiling — but he did rack up enough yards to sneak into the top 10.
9. Dennis Shaw – 6,286 Yards
Shaw was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1970 and started for several seasons, putting up respectable numbers during a rebuilding era for the Bills.
8. Doug Flutie – 7,582 Yards
The ultimate wildcard, Flutie brought energy and chaos to Buffalo in the late ’90s. His “Flutie Magic” was real, even if his time as a starter was short-lived.
7. Tyrod Taylor – 8,857 Yards
Taylor was efficient and protected the ball, ending Buffalo’s 17-year playoff drought in 2017. His mobility and game management made him a steady contributor.
6. Drew Bledsoe – 10,151 Yards
After leaving New England, Bledsoe brought his cannon arm to Buffalo and put up three strong seasons. He remains one of the more prolific QBs in Bills history.
5. Ryan Fitzpatrick – 11,654 Yards
“Fitzmagic” was born in Buffalo. The bearded gunslinger had his ups and downs but lit up defenses with fearless throws and a Harvard-level football IQ.
4. Jack Kemp – 15,134 Yards
A championship-winning QB in the AFL days, Kemp was a true leader for the Bills in the 1960s. His legacy includes both titles and political office.
3. Josh Allen – 26,434 Yards
Already third all-time, Allen’s rocket arm and running ability make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. At this pace, it’s not a matter of if he’ll break the record — but when.
2. Joe Ferguson – 27,590 Yards
Ferguson was a workhorse for the Bills in the ’70s and ’80s, often carrying the offensive load through thick and thin. He held the record for decades before Allen came knocking.
1. Jim Kelly – 35,467 Yards
The face of the franchise during its most successful era, Kelly led Buffalo to four straight Super Bowls and posted huge numbers along the way. A Hall of Famer and true icon.

Ranking the 10 best single-game passing yard performances in Buffalo Bills history
Top 50 Single-Game Passing Performances in Bills History
This chart shows every Bills player to record 250+ passing yards in a single game, including stars like Josh Allen, Jim Kelly, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
| Rank | Player Name | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jim Kelly | 35467 |
| 2 | Joe Ferguson | 27590 |
| 3 | Josh Allen | 26434 |
| 4 | Jack Kemp | 15134 |
| 5 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 11654 |
| 6 | Drew Bledsoe | 10151 |
| 7 | Tyrod Taylor | 8857 |
| 8 | Doug Flutie | 7582 |
| 9 | Dennis Shaw | 6286 |
| 10 | J.P. Losman | 6211 |
| 11 | Trent Edwards | 5739 |
| 12 | Rob Johnson | 4798 |
| 13 | EJ Manuel | 3502 |
| 14 | Todd Collins | 3218 |
| 15 | Kyle Orton | 3018 |
| 16 | Alex Van Pelt | 2985 |
| 17 | Frank Reich | 2540 |
| 18 | Daryle Lamonica | 2499 |
| 19 | Johnny Green | 2170 |
| 20 | Warren Rabb | 1782 |
| 21 | Vince Ferragamo | 1677 |
| 22 | Bruce Mathison | 1635 |
| 23 | Kelly Holcomb | 1509 |
| 24 | Gary Marangi | 1373 |
| 25 | Dan Darragh | 1353 |
| 26 | James Harris | 1120 |
| 27 | Thaddeus Lewis | 1092 |
| 28 | Tommy O’Connell | 1044 |
| 29 | M.C. Reynolds | 1004 |
| 30 | Matt Kofler | 872 |
| 31 | Joe Dufek | 829 |
| 32 | Matt Barkley | 788 |
| 33 | Richie Lucas | 596 |
| 34 | Nathan Peterman | 548 |
| 35 | Derek Anderson | 465 |
| 36 | Ed Rutkowski | 380 |
| 37 | Kay Stephenson | 364 |
| 38 | Travis Brown | 361 |
| 39 | Bill Munson | 359 |
| 40 | Al Dorow | 333 |
| 41 | Jeff Tuel | 309 |
| 42 | Tom Flores | 291 |
| 43 | Brian Brohm | 252 |
| 44 | Mitchell Trubisky | 222 |
| 45 | Brian McClure | 181 |
| 46 | Mike Taliaferro | 176 |
| 47 | Willie Totten | 155 |
| 48 | Billy Joe Hobert | 133 |
| 49 | Dan Manucci | 132 |
| 50 | O.J. Simpson | 110 |
Jim Kelly’s legacy is unmatched — for now. Josh Allen is already within striking distance and looks poised to take over the throne sooner rather than later. The rest of the list reminds us that Buffalo has had flashes of brilliance under center, but it’s the stars like Kelly and Allen who make lasting impacts.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Bills record for most career passing yards?
Jim Kelly holds the record with 35,467 passing yards.
Is Josh Allen close to breaking the record?
Yes — Allen already has 26,434 yards and could surpass Kelly within a few seasons.
Are any Hall of Famers on this list?
Yes — Jim Kelly is a Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history.
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