De’Von Achane is one of the few offensive pieces that will remain with the Miami Dolphins for 2026. The franchise entered a rebuilding period after Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle left; however, Achane remains in Miami, even as trade talks center on him.
Miami Dolphins Set to Keep De’Von Achane as Part of 2026 Roster Rebuild
Achane had the best season of his career in 2025. He ended the year with 1,350 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns, crossing the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time in his career. He was also ranked as the No. 2 running back in the PFSN NFL RB Impact metrics.
With one year left on his contract, many analysts wondered whether he would be available for a trade as Miami stockpiles picks to fuel its rebuild. However, head coach Jeff Hafley appeared on the “Up & Adams Show” on Monday and threw cold water on the possibility of a deal:
“He’ll be hard to defend. Obviously, Achane’s a great player. I mean, I learned that two years ago when he came to Lambeau and we had to play against him. We’ll have receivers for Malik to throw to. The next time you talk after the draft, and as we get the players here April 7th, I think you’re going to see we’ll get some good ones from the throw to,” Hafley said.
Dolphins HC Jeff Hafley responds to rumors that RB De’Von Achane will be traded before the season:
“I got a good feeling he’s gonna be around.”@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/6fzfBklSYy
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 30, 2026
The same feeling was reinforced by Jon-Eric Sullivan, who took over as general manager after the season ended. Although the offense will look vastly different in 2026, Sullivan stated that extending Achane is “a priority” and that Miami is not looking to move him.
Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan shut down trade rumors regarding De’Von Achane today, saying signing the running back to an extension is a “priority” for the team in the coming weeks/months:
“There is zero effort on my end to move Achane.”
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) March 30, 2026
“No effort to move” could mean the Dolphins aren’t looking around, but given their current situation, Miami could change its stance if a great offer comes in. Achane is still young and improved massively in 2025. With one year left on his rookie contract, he’ll also command a big extension prior to the season.
Hafley and Sullivan know the Dolphins won’t be true competitors in 2026. The Dolphins’ priority will be to build the roster from scratch, finding and developing new pieces as they navigate what, on paper, should be a difficult season.
Malik Willis signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal during free agency, and he’ll be their No. 1 quarterback when the offseason program starts. Having Achane by his side will help massively, even if they’re not expected to compete for a playoff spot.
