Keon Coleman: Pegula’s Defense Amidst Bills’ Shakeup
During a press conference on Wednesday morning explaining the decision to part ways with Head Coach Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula offered a surprising defense of wide receiver Keon Coleman. The unexpected intervention came while General Manager Brandon Beane was fielding a question about the receiver’s performance.
According to Alaina Getzenberg, Pegula stated, “The coaching staff pushed to pick Keon,” revealing that Coleman wasn’t Beane’s top-rated prospect. However, Pegula emphasized Beane’s willingness to be a team player by making the selection. This revelation adds another layer to the scrutiny surrounding Beane’s roster decisions, particularly in light of the team’s failure to reach the Super Bowl with quarterback Josh Allen.
Pegula’s Rationale and Coleman’s Struggles
Pegula’s decision to retain Beane with a promotion while holding McDermott accountable has sparked debate among Bills fans and analysts. The spotlight has intensified on Beane’s draft choices, including the selection of Keon Coleman, who hasn’t significantly bolstered the receiving corps as hoped. Coleman faced disciplinary issues this season, being a healthy scratch on multiple occasions due to tardiness to team meetings.
Pegula appeared determined to defend Beane and counter what he perceived as unfair criticism. In doing so, he inadvertently placed Keon Coleman under the bus alongside McDermott, highlighting the pressure surrounding the young receiver.
Coleman’s Background and NFL Journey
The 22-year-old Keon Coleman transferred to Florida State University after two seasons at Michigan State. He achieved notable collegiate success, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022 and first-team All-ACC recognition in 2023 before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Bills selected Coleman with the No. 33 overall pick in the second round, signing him to a four-year, $10,074,258 contract, including a $4,146,732 signing bonus. In his rookie season (2024), Coleman appeared in 13 games, recording 38 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns on 59 targets.
Looking Ahead
The situation surrounding Keon Coleman and the Bills is evolving. Further updates will be provided as they become available. This incident underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny within the NFL, particularly for young players facing pressure to perform.
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