Has Bills' Keon Coleman requested a trade after controversial Terry Pegula comments?

Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula stunned members of the NFL community during a Wednesday news conference when he blamed recently fired head coach Sean McDermott and McDermott's staff for Buffalo making wide receiver and possible bust Keon Coleman the No. 33 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

On Friday, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic shared Coleman's reaction to Pegula's comments. 

Does Keon Coleman want Bills to trade him after Terry Pegula comments?

"A source close to Coleman told The Athletic’s Tim Graham that the receiver didn’t understand Pegula’s comments but quickly shook them off," Buscaglia wrote. "Coleman has not requested a trade and is proceeding as though he will play for the Bills in 2026." 

Buscaglia added that a source said Coleman "was taken aback at first, but he just went and worked out, getting ready for year three."

Coleman has disappointed with his play and his antics over his first two NFL seasons. Some may feel he's been more responsible for stories related to disciplinary actions than highlight-reel moments as a pro.

Across 26 regular-season games, he recorded 67 receptions on 116 targets for 960 yards and eight touchdowns.

Roughly 24 hours after Pegula met with media members, fellow Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks referred to Coleman as a "misunderstood" talent. Cooks, who is set to reach free agency when the new league year opens in March, also suggested he'd be open to helping Coleman "grow and be the guy they want him to be."

Is there a "bigger" concern for Bills than where Keon Coleman wants to play?

"A bigger potential concern is how the locker room might respond to what Pegula said about one of their players on Wednesday," Buscaglia added. "Many of Coleman’s teammates are still close with the receiver. And seeing leadership pass the blame for his acquisition while he’s still on the roster might not sit well with those paying attention." 

Perhaps a new head coach, such as popular veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, could help smooth things over in the Buffalo locker room and also get the best out of Coleman over the next 12 months or so. Coleman likely has little value as a tradeable piece following Wednesday's events, so one would think that Bills general manager/president of football operations Brandon Beane would want to hold onto the 22-year-old to see if he can develop into a top-tier weapon while playing with star quarterback Josh Allen.