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'Bills’ Ownership Threw Him Under the Bus': ESPN Explains Why Buffalo WR Needs a Change of Scenery

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 4:52 PM ET

Keon Coleman enters the 2026 NFL offseason facing a crossroads after an up-and-down tenure with the Buffalo Bills. ESPN analysts argue that the young wide receiver needs a change of scenery to unlock the potential that made him a high draft pick.

Coleman arrived in Buffalo with high expectations, celebrated for his size, speed and ability to win contested catches. Those traits helped him stand out at the collegiate level, but his transition to the professional game has been marked by inconsistency and limited production.

Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) receives a ball against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

This past season saw Coleman struggle to carve out a defined role in the Bills’ crowded receiving corps, and some league observers say the way the organization handled personnel decisions may have hindered his development. The lack of targeted involvement in key moments raised questions about how he fits within the current offensive scheme.

A move to a different environment could provide Coleman with the opportunity to refine his skills and gain confidence from a coaching staff invested in his growth. For receivers in particular, system fit and quarterback trust are often catalysts for breakout seasons.

NFL Analysis Explains Why Buffalo Bills’ Keon Coleman Needs a Change of Scenery

Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) carries the ball defended by New York Jets safety Malachi Moore (27) during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Coleman may need a way out of Buffalo for next season. This is explained more in an analysis by Aaron Schatz for ESPN.

Coleman might be the perfect example of a player who needs a change of scenery after the Bills’ ownership threw him under the bus during the news conference introducing Joe Brady as the new coach. “I’ll address the Keon situation. The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon,” Terry Pegula said. “I’m not saying [team executive] Brandon [Beane] wouldn’t have drafted him, but [Coleman] wasn’t his next choice.”

Coleman was a healthy scratch for multiple games during the 2025 season and went over 50 receiving yards in a game only once. The 2024 second-round draft pick might be able to find success with a new organization, but it’s hard to see him reaching his potential if he stays in Buffalo.

As Buffalo prepares for offseason roster decisions, the optics of keeping or moving on from a former high draft choice are complicated by cap considerations and depth chart dynamics. The Bills have talent at receiver, but making room for a fresh start may benefit both the player and the franchise in the long run.

Coleman’s future is now part of broader league conversations about how young players flourish away from the teams that drafted them. Where he lands and how he responds to a new opportunity could define his career for years to come.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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