Bills trade Lee Evans to Ravens

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Buffalo Bills have traded WR Lee Evans to the Baltimore Ravens for an undisclosed pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

The team confirmed the reports early this afternoon.  It's being reported that the Bills will receive a 4th round draft pick for the veteran wide receiver.

The seven year veteran has been a star player and leader for the Bills since being drafted in the first round in 2004.  But his production had fallen off the past two season, with only 44 and 37 catches.

The Bills young depth at the receiver position is the apparent reason for the deal.  General Manager Buddy Nix told reporters before the team left for Chicago that they wanted to give those young players a chance to play.

Stevie Johnson and Roscoe Parrish will be the Bills starters with Evans gone.  Young backups David Nelson, Donald Jones, Naaman Roosevelt and Marcus Easley will be the young backups playing bigger roles.  The team also signed veteran Buster Davis early in training camp.

In a statement on his web site, leeevans83.com, Evans thanked the fans of Western New York.

"I want to say thank you to Mr. Wilson and the Bills organization for everything over the last 7 years. To the great fans who make Buffalo special, thanks for always supporting me and my family. I’ll always have ties to the Buffalo community as I’ve met a lot of great people who will remain friends.

This is a very exciting time for me and my family and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to play for the Baltimore Ravens. I’m excited about the Ravens organization, players, and coaching staff and can’t wait to get started.“

Evans had two years remaing on his contract, and the numbers near $3 million a season were not a factor in the trade.