The Miami Dolphins are off to a disastrous start to the 2025-26 season. While this season hasn’t gone as planned, running back De’Von Achane has proven himself as one of the most explosive rushers in the NFL.
With the Dolphins emerging as sellers at the trade deadline, here are four potential landing spots where Achane’s talents would be better utilized.
1) Kansas City Chiefs
We know what head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs can do with an ultra-fast player, as Achane’s current teammate, Tyreek Hill, became a star with the team.
For years, the Chiefs have struggled to have much pop to their offense, specifically in the backfield. While starter Isiah Pacheco is a tough runner, he’s averaging just 4.0 yards per carry this season and rarely breaks away from the second level of the defense. In the 2024 season, playing just seven games due to injury, Pacheco scored just a single touchdown. He has none in 2025. Now, Pacheco is injured once again, adding uncertainty to Kansas City’s backfield.
With Reid scheming the plays and quarterback Patrick Mahomes orchestrating the offense on the field, it’s easy to see Achane thriving in Kansas City. He appears stuck in the mud in Miami, but a change of scenery to a winning atmosphere, plus not having to be the bell-cow back, would do wonders for the former Texas A&M running back’s future.
2) Green Bay Packers
Speaking of a bell-cow back, the Green Bay Packers have one in starter Josh Jacobs. He’s averaging 20 carries in four games, a number far too high to maintain over the 17-game season. The depth behind him isn’t particularly imposing.
As a team that made an all-in move to acquire edge rusher Micah Parsons before the season, the Packers would be wise to add to their running back room before the trade deadline and the stretch run to the playoffs.
While Jacobs is a bruiser, Achane would be a terrific change-of-pace reserve and a significant threat in the passing game. If he were to land in Green Bay, Achane would immediately become one of the best third-down running backs in the NFL and form a dominant one-two punch with Jacobs.
3) Los Angeles Chargers
With Omarion Hampton’s injury, the Los Angeles Chargers have reportedly made calls about acquiring an accomplished running back to fill that spot.
Achane is certainly accomplished and would fit well in the high-powered offense of the Chargers, with quarterback Justin Herbert leading the way. A strong offensive line led to two breakout performances from Hampton before his injury; something could continue if Achane takes that role.
Kimani Vidal has had some strong games while filling in, but can he continue this pace? Achane would give LA a sure thing, and he and Hampton could be a nice duo once the rookie is healthy.
4) Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing well, but there is a major hole to poke in their overall team makeup: the rushing attack. They’ve become heavily reliant on 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers’ arm and a less-than-dominant defense.
Kaleb Johnson has struggled to make an impact, so it’s been Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, a career third-down back, leading this backfield.
The Steelers look like the favorites to win the AFC North. Mike Tomlin and Co. have made several all-in moves in recent seasons; another for Achane could vault them from simply a playoff team to a borderline contender.
Najee Harris was ruled out for the year before Hampton even got hurt. What a joke of a site.