Keon Coleman's Future in Buffalo Looks Uncertain Amid Disciplinary Issues and Trade Buzz
Keon Coleman’s time with the Buffalo Bills is teetering on the edge-and that’s not just based on his production on the field. Even before recent comments from ownership added fuel to the fire, the writing was already on the wall: the second-year wide receiver hasn’t lived up to expectations, and his standing within the organization has taken a hit.
Let’s start with the performance. In a year when the Bills needed their young pass-catcher to take a step forward, Coleman stalled.
His second season saw limited production, and it wasn’t just about targets or scheme fit. Coleman found himself benched not once, but twice for disciplinary reasons during the season-echoing a similar incident from his rookie year.
What’s behind the repeated discipline? According to reports, at least two of those benchings stemmed from Coleman being late to team meetings.
Now, there’s a new wrinkle to that story. Per reporting from Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, Coleman may be dealing with a sleep issue.
That’s not an excuse, but it could be an explanation-one that paints a more nuanced picture of what’s going on behind the scenes.
Underhill didn’t directly link the sleep issue to the missed meetings, but it’s not hard to connect the dots. Oversleeping, especially in a tightly scheduled NFL environment, can quickly become a problem if not addressed. And while sleep disorders are manageable with the right support, they still require buy-in from the player and the team.
Then came the surprising public comments from Bills owner Terry Pegula, who reportedly placed blame on the coaching staff for drafting Coleman in the first place. That’s a rare move-owners typically don’t air that kind of internal evaluation in public, especially about a player still under contract. Whether it was frustration boiling over or a signal of things to come, the message was loud and clear: Coleman’s future in Buffalo is in serious doubt.
Even beyond the disciplinary concerns, Coleman was a healthy scratch multiple times this past season for non-disciplinary reasons. That’s a big red flag for any young player, particularly one drafted in the second round. When a team is choosing not to dress a high pick without a clear injury or off-field issue, it usually means they’ve lost confidence in his ability to contribute.
So what’s next?
Coleman is widely viewed as a trade candidate this offseason, and there’s still reason to believe he’ll have suitors. He’s just 22 years old, still on a rookie deal, and has the physical tools that made him a Day 2 pick in the first place.
For a team in need of receiver help-and willing to take a flyer on a low-risk, high-upside project-Coleman could be an appealing option. A new environment, a fresh coaching staff, and perhaps a little more structure might be just what he needs to hit the reset button on his career.
But don’t expect the Bills to get anything close to what they paid. A second-round pick isn’t coming back in return. More likely, Buffalo will be looking at a fourth- or fifth-rounder, potentially in a deal that includes a pick swap just to sweeten the pot.
It’s a tough spot for both team and player. The Bills invested significant draft capital in Coleman, hoping he’d become a key piece of their offense. Instead, they’re now in a position where moving on might be the best option for everyone involved.
For Coleman, the next chapter could be a make-or-break moment. He’s got the talent. Now it’s about proving he can put it all together-on time, on the field, and in a new uniform.