Keon Coleman’s Response to Bills Owner’s Public Criticism

Keon Coleman, a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, recently faced public scrutiny from team owner Terry Pegula. In comments made during a press conference, Pegula suggested that Bills general manager Brandon Beane did not intend to draft Coleman, referencing a lack of progress in the player’s development. Despite this criticism, Coleman remains focused and reportedly has not requested a trade.

Background on Keon Coleman

At just 22 years old, Coleman was selected by the Bills after a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, which allowed Kansas City to draft Xavier Worthy. The Bills chose Coleman one spot ahead of now-Los Angeles Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey. Over his first two NFL seasons, Coleman’s performance has been disappointing. He recorded:

• 29 receptions for 556 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season.
• 38 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns in his second season.

Both seasons featured benchings and missed game days, raising concerns about his development and commitment.

Public Comments and Reaction

Pegula’s remarks highlighted a lack of faith in Coleman’s progress. He indicated that the coaching staff had pushed for Coleman’s draft selection, suggesting that Beane was influenced by their input. Pegula stated, “The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon. I’m not saying Brandon wouldn’t have drafted him, but he wasn’t his next choice.”

Former Bills player Eric Wood weighed in on the situation, asserting that Coleman has struggled with accountability. Wood claimed that Coleman had been late to meetings, contributing to his benchings. He remarked, “It’s HARD to be late for meetings. Low effort constantly. He brought all the criticism on himself.”

Future Prospects for Coleman

As the Bills look to improve their roster, the future of Coleman remains uncertain. His trade value appears low, given his underwhelming performance over the last two years. Nevertheless, Beane expressed confidence in Coleman, stating, “His issues have not been on the field, they’ve been maturity things that he owns.”

With two years left on his contract, Coleman faces a crucial period in his career. The potential hiring of a new head coach could also influence his standing with the team. The Bills are eager to enhance their playmaker lineup as they aim for a Super Bowl run with quarterback Josh Allen.