Pegula spoke at a Jan. 21 combined press conference with Beane, saying, “The coaching staff pushed for Keon Coleman,” and that Beane “was being a team player” by not making Coleman his top pick. The remarks intensified scrutiny of Coleman’s place on the roster and how the organization arrived at its draft decisions.
Bills beat writer Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com predicted Coleman’s future with the team could be in doubt, suggesting the relationship between Coleman and the organization might be fractured beyond repair after Pegula’s revelations.
Despite the controversy, Josh Allen offered clear support for Coleman, saying he isn’t giving up on the receiver and that they will work together to help Coleman contribute on the field this season and beyond.
Coleman’s 2024 season featured 13 games played with six starts, totaling 38 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns. He opened the season with a standout game against the Baltimore Ravens, recording eight receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown, though he never surpassed 50 receiving yards in another game. In the playoffs, he was targeted four times, collecting two catches for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Brandin Cooks, who joined Buffalo midseason and is currently a free agent, said he wants to help Coleman develop, stressing that Coleman has high-level ability but is “misunderstood.” Cooks indicated he would be willing to mentor Coleman if he returns, noting that re-signing Cooks would be part of helping Coleman progress in 2026.
