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Former wide receiver and current NFL analyst Steve Smith Sr. delivered a harsh critique of second-year Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman.
During the latest edition of the “89 with Steve Smith Sr” podcast, the former Carolina Panthers star offered a scathing criticism of Coleman.
Smith’s comments centered on Coleman’s drop in production this season and his apparent inability to “get separation” from defenders.
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NFL GameDay Kickoff Analyst Steve Smith Sr. before the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports)
“Well, the short version: nothing,” Smith said. “I haven’t seen anything from him because he hasn’t had the opportunities, because the opportunities aren’t coming. He’s just not getting open fast enough. Now Josh Allen is looking his way. . . . When it’s press coverage, Josh is looking over there, but Josh is getting away from him very quickly. And some people, like they do, jump in the commentary and say, ‘Josh came out of this play, but he was open on this play. That means he’s taking too long. That means the quarterback doesn’t trust your ability to get there.”
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Coleman was targeted 57 times in the 13 games he played in the 2024 season and finished the year with 556 receiving yards. He has 267 receiving yards on 27 targets so far in 2025. Smith and his co-host, James Palmer, highlighted the drop in passes to Coleman since Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Coleman had eight receptions in the first game of the season, but has caught only 19 passes in subsequent 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 on October 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Coleman had eight receptions in the first game of the season, but has caught only 19 passes in subsequent weeks. Coleman is listed at 6 feet 4 inches, while Smith was listed at 5 feet 9 inches during his NFL career. Despite the height difference, Smith made it clear that he stands by his doubts about Coleman’s ability to become a top option in the Bills’ passing game.
“And you remember, I get accused of people taller than 6 feet, ‘Oh, Steve, you’re jealous,'” Smith continued. “My man, out of 12 contested goals, he got four. That’s less than 30 cents. The five sticks of gum are 35 cents right now. . . . When you got halitosis, the five sticks of gum can help and improve and increase your percentage of not walking out of the club alone, and he doesn’t have a chance.”
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) runs on the field before the game at Bank of America 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 the guy. Can’t get separation. Can’t get off the jam. Don’t have it. You can’t teach a dog to bark. You either have it or you don’t.”
Coleman appeared to catch Smith’s remarks, but played down the harsh assessment by posting four smiley face emojis on X.
The Bills have a perfect 4-0 record in 2025 in games where Coleman has at least 25 receiving yards.
After dropping games to the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons in consecutive weeks, the Bills got back on track in a blowout Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers.
The Bills host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in a rematch of the most recent AFC Championship game.
