After two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, wide receiver Keon Coleman is a potential trade candidate, according to ESPN. The former second-round pick hasn't made the impact expected of him since his arrival in 2024, and ESPN believes that the Indianapolis Colts could swoop in to acquire his services.
Coleman's future in Buffalo came into question when owner Terry Pegula surprisingly blamed the coaching staff for drafting him 33rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
"I'll address the Keon situation. The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon," Pegula said back in January this year. "I'm not saying Brandon [Beane] wouldn't have drafted him, but [Coleman] wasn't his next choice."
Pegula's comments only fueled speculation about Coleman's long-term future. As per the established media outlet, the Colts could make a deal to get the wide receiver and a 2028 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2027 fourth-rounder.
"Buffalo doesn't have to trade him, but between his on-field struggles and the negative vibes stemming from ownership's comments, it certainly could. And the Colts would be a logical candidate to bet on Coleman at a reduced cost," ESPN's Seth Walder wrote in his column.
Good value for Colts, Bills in hypothetical trade for Keon Coleman
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The Colts would benefit from acquiring Coleman, since they need depth in the receiving group. They re-signed Alec Pierce to a four-year, $114 million deal that averages $28.5 million annually, but the 26-year-old has undergone ankle surgery and has yet to participate in practice.
The Bills' addition of DJ Moore this offseason could also make a significant dent in Coleman's future as a Bill. With increased competition, there is a possibility that Coleman might fall out of the rotation completely if he stays with the Bills.
It makes a ton of sense for Indianapolis to go for this trade. They can use a young receiver to bolster their roster and add depth to their receiving group, and Coleman could also benefit from a change in scenery.
In his two seasons at Orchard Park, the receiver has played 26 games and has accumulated 960 yards with eight touchdowns. In the playoffs, the 23-year-old has scored just one touchdown in five games.
Coleman's performance during training camp could ultimately determine his future in Buffalo. If he shows enough improvement to earn a significant role, the Bills may decide to keep him. Otherwise, a trade before the start of the regular season could become a realistic possibility.
