It’s OK to be optimistic about Keon Coleman in 2026

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: Keon Coleman #0 of the Buffalo Bills runs after the catch in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) | Getty Images As a fan of the Buffalo Bills, I generally tend to be pretty optimistic when it comes to the team. Even through the years of the drought, I would regularly talk about “hope” and how one or two plays could swing things in our favor each season. While those years were tough for many of us, I always preferred to keep that sense of optimism.

class="has-text-align-none">Now as we get ready for training camp, I find myself feeling that same sense of optimism around Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman. I am sure some of you are reading that sentence and immediately rolling your eyes — or maybe you did not even make it past the headline before jumping right to the comments section. That is completely understandable based on the disappointing moments from these past two seasons.

class="has-text-align-none">With Joe Brady being named the new head coach of the club, I feel it is a bit of a clean slate for Coleman. Obviously Brady has served as the offensive coordinator over the past two seasons, so there is plenty of history there. But Brady has gone out of his way stating that he is the “best thing” that could ever happen to Coleman. Those are bold words for a first time head coach. He’s making a commitment to the 23-year-old receiver.

class="has-text-align-none">I also think that for the first time in Coleman’s pro career, the expectations will be reasonable for him on the field. In 2024 the team had to fill the void left after Stefon Diggs was traded (even with the Curtis Samuel signing). The team made modest additions at receiver in 2025, with the addition of Joshua Palmer, but there was no major move from Brandon Beane. Many of us felt that Coleman would need to step up — and we all know how these past two years went.

class="has-text-align-none">Now as we head into the 2026 season, the Bills have added DJ Moore and Skyler Bell to the roster. Khalil Shakir is still his reliable self, and we can all hope for a healthy Dalton Kincaid. Add a healthy Palmer to the mix, and the expectations for Coleman will be in check. Defensive coordinators will have other issues to worry about, which could give Coleman a chance to thrive.

class="has-text-align-none">I get it, this is all very hypothetical and Coleman will need to step up off the field as well. But at the time of year when we sit and wait for training camp to get started, I am going to choose to be optimistic about Keon Coleman. For the sake of all Bills fans, lets hope that I am right.