Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane held a press conference to discuss the firing of head coach Sean McDermott. During the conference, Pegula implied that the coaching staff advocated for drafting wide receiver Keon Coleman, shifting the blame away from Beane.
“The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon,” Pegula commented. “I’m not saying Brandon wouldn’t have drafted him, but he wasn’t his next choice. That was Brandon being a team player… He’s taken, for some reason, heat over it, and not saying a word about it.”
Evidence against Pegula’s claim surfaced when Beane expressed relief that Coleman’s 40-yard dash time of 4.57 seconds made it easier for the Bills to select him. Regardless of who was chiefly responsible for the decision to draft Coleman, the remarks made by Pegula were inappropriate, seeming to label Coleman a failure while he is still on the roster.
Given the current climate, it appears unlikely for Coleman to remain with the Bills beyond 2026. Let’s evaluate potential teams where Coleman could potentially thrive as a ‘second draft’ candidate:
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs require a larger outside receiver alongside Rashee Rice in the slot and Xavier Worthy on the perimeter. Coleman, despite his difficulties, might improve with a fresh start under a top-tier quarterback like Patrick Mahomes.
San Francisco 49ers
With Brandon Aiyuk potentially leaving and Jauan Jennings in free agency, the 49ers may seek an outside receiver as well. Coach Kyle Shanahan has a history of maximizing players’ potential, making him a plausible fit for Coleman.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers urgently need to bolster their wide receiving corps alongside DK Metcalf. They could seek to sign Coleman as an economical low-risk choice while pursuing more significant acquisitions through free agency or the draft.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints also need a complementary receiver behind Chris Olave. Coleman could assist quarterback Tyler Shough in fostering his development after a promising rookie season.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are in need of receiving talent, having struggled with production from Calvin Ridley last season. Signing Coleman could present them an affordable opportunity to enhance their receiving unit and support rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
