Keon Coleman is getting back on the bus. After a forgettable season, everything pointed to the young receiver being at the top of the trade list; however, an analyst recently reported that the Bills’ top brass has done a complete about-face and now wants to keep him.
Coleman arrived in Buffalo as the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, out of Florida State. After a promising rookie season, his sophomore year was disappointing.
In 13 games played, only six as a starter, Coleman recorded:
- 59 targets
- 38 receptions
- 404 yards
- 4 touchdowns
Even worse, some disciplinary issues that resulted in healthy scratches in some games caused a strong reaction from team owner Terry Pegula against the player.
Things, however, are changing for Coleman.
The Bills’ front office is backing Coleman again
During NFL Network’s coverage of the Scouting Combine, analyst Cameron Wolfe asserted that Pegula, vice president of football operations Brandon Beane, and head coach Joe Brady still have faith in Coleman.
“One guy they do not want to trade at this time is wide receiver Keon Coleman,” Wolfe stated on Tuesday. He explained that Beane and Brady believe the young receiver “is going to have the best season of his career and they don’t want to trade him.”
Wolfe admitted that a trade is always possible, but Coleman’s value has decreased considerably:
I’m told it would likely take a Day-2 pick [second and third rounds] for a team to land Coleman via trade.
Thus, the Bills would prefer to keep the third-year receiver. “With an inconsistent first two seasons, there’s more value right now for the Bills than probably elsewhere.”
Brady’s change of direction
According to Wolfe, Beane and Brady met this weekend with Coleman’s agent, assuring him that they have plans for the player in 2026.
However, things won’t be that easy. “It’s going to take trust. Last year was rough,” Wolfe warned, recalling the friction between the player and former head coach Sean McDermott.
Nevertheless, Brady’s arrival completely changed the landscape. Wolfe expects the team to keep Coleman, in addition to seeking an elite target for quarterback Josh Allen.
This departure from McDermott’s philosophy could benefit not only the team but also Keon Coleman.
