The Buffalo Bills could be a team to watch ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Bills traded for DJ Moore to be the team’s No. 1 receiver, but they’ve also been linked to drafting more receiver help in the NFL Draft. If Buffalo adds another receiver, what that means for Keon Coleman remains uncertain, as he was scratched multiple times last season.
So, ahead of the NFL Draft, Bills general manager Brandon Beane sent a clear message to Coleman about his future with the team.
“It’s not all talk,” Beane told The Athletic. “I think Keon understands what he can control and what he can’t, and we all mature at different times. It’s not an ability thing with him. … But when you let the stuff that occurred off the field, that then affects what your opportunities are on the field.”
“Listen, he has to go do it, but I think we feel confident that the maturity level is heading where it needs to. Again, he’s got to go do it. We believe in the skill set, and that’s part of what your culture is. We all grow at different times; none of us were a made product at 21, 22. Do you wish you had to go through that with him? No, you don’t. But you hope for us, and for him, he looks back and says, ‘That was the best thing that happened to me.’ That’s what you hope. And we’re putting all our eggs in his basket to come back for year three and be a part of this group, however that is.”
Coleman recorded 38 receptions for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns last season.
Coleman Could Have Competiton
Although Beane believes Coleman is becoming more mature, the Bills still need him to step up next season.
However, Coleman’s role in the offense won’t be given, and Beane said he has to earn his roster spot, whether that’s as a starter or as a backup. But this training camp could be do-or-die for Coleman and his time in Buffalo.
“Bringing DJ [Moore] in brings competition in. Josh Palmer got banged up last year, hopefully year two goes better for him, but it’ll sort itself out,” Beane added. “I think [Coleman] knows he’s got to come in and earn every single thing he’s gonna get. He’s got to fight to see if he can start. And if he doesn’t, then he’s going to have to still prove that he’s the next guy off the bench if he’s not a starter.”
The Bills selected Coleman 33rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Ladd McConkey was the receiver taken with the very next pick, adding some salt to the wound of Bills fans.
Bills Owner Called Out Coleman
After Buffalo was eliminated in the playoffs, Bills owner Terry Pegula called out Coleman.
Pegula claimed Beane didn’t want to draft Coleman, and seemingly shunned the young receiver, which was a surprise.
“I’ll address the Keon situation. The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon,” Pegula said. “I’m not saying Brandon wouldn’t have drafted him, but [Coleman] wasn’t his next choice. That was Brandon being a team player and taking advice of his coaching staff who felt strongly about the player. And you know, he’s taken — for some reason — heat over it, and not saying a word about it. But I’m here to tell you the true story.”
It was a stunning comment, given that Coleman is still under contract. But, the hope is that it lights a fire under him to become a better player in 2026.
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