Bills Trade Keon Coleman to Saints in Attractive Mock Deal

The former second-round pick's time in Buffalo has not gone as planned.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:05am

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The Buffalo Bills are considering trading wide receiver Keon Coleman, a 2024 second-round pick who has struggled in his first two NFL seasons. Sports Illustrated's Mike Kadlick believes the New Orleans Saints could be an ideal landing spot for Coleman, as they look to add a developmental wide receiver to pair with top target Chris Olave.

Why it matters

The Bills' acquisition of star wide receiver DJ Moore has given them more flexibility with their receiving corps, potentially making Coleman expendable. A trade to the Saints could provide a fresh start for Coleman, while also netting the Bills a late-round draft pick rather than simply releasing him.

The details

Coleman, 22, was a highly touted prospect coming out of college but has failed to make a significant impact with the Bills so far. He was benched multiple times last season and finished with just 38 receptions for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns. With the Bills now having Moore and Khalil Shakir as their top receivers, Coleman could benefit from a change of scenery in New Orleans, where he could develop as a complementary option behind Chris Olave.

  • The Bills acquired DJ Moore in a trade earlier this offseason.
  • Coleman was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The players

Keon Coleman

A 22-year-old wide receiver who was drafted in the second round by the Buffalo Bills in 2024 but has struggled to make an impact in his first two NFL seasons.

Chris Olave

The New Orleans Saints' top wide receiver, entering his third NFL season.

Tyler Shough

The Saints' starting quarterback, entering his second year as the team's QB1.

DJ Moore

A star wide receiver acquired by the Buffalo Bills in a trade this offseason, bolstering their receiving corps.

Khalil Shakir

The Bills' leading receiver last season, who is expected to be their top slot receiver going forward.

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What they’re saying

“It would make sense for the Bills to go one wide receiver in, one wide receiver out on the trade market this offseason.”

— Mike Kadlick, Sports Illustrated Writer

“Keon Coleman, who Buffalo selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft, has failed to make an impact over the past two seasons and may be in need of a reset.”

— Mike Kadlick, Sports Illustrated Writer

“Enter the Saints, who could use a developmental No. 2 target behind Chris Olave for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough to work and grow with.”

— Mike Kadlick, Sports Illustrated Writer

What’s next

The Bills will likely look to trade Coleman before the 2026 NFL season, with the Saints being a potential landing spot for the young receiver.

The takeaway

This potential trade would allow the Bills to move on from a disappointing 2024 draft pick, while giving Coleman a fresh start in New Orleans and potentially netting Buffalo a late-round draft pick in return.