Bills WR Coleman Gains Spotlight Following McDermott’s Dismissal

Emerson Raymont

ago 2 hours

Following the dismissal of Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman is again in the spotlight. Team owner Terry Pegula addressed the media in a news conference where he discussed Coleman’s draft selection and developmental challenges. This comes as the Bills are navigating a tumultuous season marked by underperformance.

Bills WR Coleman Gains Spotlight Following McDermott’s Dismissal

During the end-of-season press meeting, Pegula made it known that Coleman was picked as a second-round talent in the 2024 NFL Draft due to the coaching staff’s strong recommendation. Pegula emphasized this point to clarify misconceptions about the decision, asserting that general manager Brandon Beane was influenced by the coaches but had reservations about the choice.

Contradictory Statements on Draft Decisions

While Pegula defended Coleman, Beane offered a contradictory perspective, claiming “my pick” when referring to Coleman. He suggested that Pegula’s comments implied there were other positions the team might have addressed instead. However, Beane affirmed his trust in the decision to draft Coleman. “I’m not turning a pick for a player that I don’t think we can succeed with,” he stated.

Coleman’s Inconsistent Performance

Started rookie season strong with 29 catches for 556 yards and four touchdowns.
Injuries hampered performance; limited to 38 catches for 404 yards and four touchdowns in the following season.
Notable performance: 8 catches, 112 yards, and 1 touchdown in a season opener against Baltimore.

Despite promising flashes, Coleman has struggled with consistency. He faced disciplinary action for being late to meetings, which included sitting out the first series in a game against New England and becoming a healthy scratch against Tampa Bay. These incidents marked the third disciplinary measure he faced since joining the team.

Looking Forward

Beane expressed the importance of developing Coleman, highlighting that his difficulties stem from maturity rather than on-field capabilities. “It’s up to us to work with him and develop him,” Beane noted, appreciating Coleman’s accountability. “He doesn’t make excuses.”

As offseason plans unfold, the focus will be on Coleman’s growth and how the Bills will address their receiving corps amidst a backdrop of leadership changes and high expectations for the upcoming season.