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Former wide receiver and current NFL analyst Steve Smith Sr. issued a scathing critique of the Buffalo Bills' sophomore wide receiver. Keon Coleman.
During the last release “89 with Steve Smith Sr.” On the podcast, the former Carolina Panthers star slammed Coleman.
Smith's comments focused on Coleman's decline in production this season and his apparent inability to “break away” from defenders.
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NFL GameDay Kickoff analyst Steve Smith Sr. prior to the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports)
“Well, in short: nothing,” Smith said. “I didn’t see anything from him because he didn’t have opportunities, because opportunities didn’t come naturally. It just didn't open up fast enough. Now Josh Allen is looking in his direction… When this is covered in the press, Josh looks there, but Josh moves away from him very quickly. And some people, like them, are jumping in the comments and saying, “Well, he was open on that play, but Josh got rid of him.” This means he is taking too long. This means the quarterback is not confident in your ability to get the job done.”
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Coleman was targeted 57 times in the 13 games he played in the 2024 season, finishing the year with 556 receiving yards. So far in 2025, he has 267 receiving yards on 27 targets. Smith and co-host James Palmer highlighted the decline in Coleman's assists since the first week of the 2025 season.
Coleman had eight receptions in the first game of the season, but attempted just 19 passes in the following weeks.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) reacts after converting a first down next to New York Jets defensive tackle Leki Fotu (right) and cornerback Brandin Echols (bottom) during an NFL football game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, October 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Adam Hanger)
Coleman had eight receptions in the first game of the season, but attempted just 19 passes in the following weeks. Coleman stands 6'4″ while Smith stood 5'9″ during his career. NFL career. Despite the height difference, Smith made it clear that he has strong doubts about Coleman's ability to become the Bills' best player in the passing game.
“And you remember, I get accused of people over 6 feet tall: 'Oh, Steve, you're jealous,'” Smith continued. “My guy, out of 12 contested targets, he got four. That's less than 30 cents. Five packs of gum are now 35 cents… When you have bad breath, those five packs of gum can help and improve and increase your percentage of not leaving the club alone and not having a chance.”
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) runs onto the field before the game at Buffalo Bills Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
“He doesn't have the ability to be a true No. 1, and he's not,” Smith said. “He's not that guy. Can't get away with it. Can't get rid of the jam. He doesn't have it. You can't teach a dog to bark. You either get it or you don't.”
Coleman seemed to pick up on Smith's remarks but downplayed the harsh assessment by posting four laughing emojis on X.
Accounts have a perfect 4-0 record in 2025 in games where Coleman has at least 25 receiving yards.
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After losing games to the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons in back-to-back weeks, the Bills returned to winning ways with a stunning Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers.
The bills contain Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in a rematch of the last AFC Championship game.
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