Keon Coleman’s Uncertain Future in Buffalo Raises Eyebrows After Surprising Owner Comment
The 2025 NFL season saw several former Michigan State standouts making waves across the league, and a few of them even showed flashes of star potential when healthy. Jayden Reed continued to build on his rookie success.
Jalen Nailor and Kenneth Walker III had their moments. And Keon Coleman - a name that still draws attention in East Lansing - found himself in the spotlight, though not always for the reasons he’d hope.
Coleman, who began his college career at Michigan State before transferring to Florida State, was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, going No. 33 overall to the Buffalo Bills. That move to Tallahassee paid off - Florida State had an undefeated regular season, and Coleman put up respectable numbers in a loaded offense. While the Seminoles were controversially left out of the College Football Playoff after losing their starting quarterback to injury, Coleman’s draft stock had already been solidified.
The Bills saw enough to make him one of the first picks on Day 2. The expectations were clear: with Josh Allen under center, Coleman had a real shot at developing into a primary target in a high-powered offense.
As a rookie, he showed promise. Coleman hauled in 29 catches for 556 yards and four touchdowns - a solid debut, especially considering the adjustment period most young receivers face in the NFL.
But in his second year, the big-play spark dimmed a bit. While he caught more passes (38), his yardage dipped to 404, though he matched his touchdown total from the year before.
It wasn’t a bad season by any stretch - but it also didn’t scream breakout.
Now, things have taken a strange turn in Buffalo.
With Sean McDermott out and a new coaching staff on the way, the organization is clearly in transition. But what caught everyone off guard was a comment from Bills owner Terry Pegula, who spoke candidly - maybe too candidly - about Coleman’s selection during a media session on Wednesday.
Pegula said, “The coaching staff pushed to pick Keon,” and noted that general manager Brandon Beane didn’t have Coleman at the top of his draft board. According to reports, Pegula even interrupted Beane mid-answer to make that point clear.
It’s rare - and frankly, jarring - to hear that kind of bluntness from ownership about a young player still under contract. Coleman has two years left on his rookie deal, and while he hasn’t become a WR1 just yet, he’s shown enough flashes to warrant continued development.
Publicly stating that the current GM wasn’t fully on board with the pick? That’s not exactly a confidence booster for a 22-year-old trying to carve out his place in the league.
This kind of comment raises questions about Coleman’s future in Buffalo. With a new staff coming in and the front office seemingly distancing itself from his selection, the writing may be on the wall. Whether that leads to a trade this offseason remains to be seen, but the situation is definitely one to watch.
One thing’s for sure - Coleman still reps Michigan State with pride. He’s spoken highly of his time in East Lansing and credited wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins for helping shape his game. That foundation helped get him to this point.
Now, the next chapter could be on the horizon. Whether that’s a fresh start in a new offense or a redemption arc in Buffalo, Coleman’s journey is far from over.
He’s got the tools. He’s shown the flashes.
What he needs now is the right environment - and a little belief from the top.