The Miami Dolphins are undergoing an overhaul unlike anything seen in a very long time, and running back De’Von Achane seems to be the only survivor. The team parted ways with head coach Mike McDaniel, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle this offseason to reboot the franchise.
NFL Experts Weigh In on Dolphins RB De’Von Achane Being Unavailable
As things stand, Achane is bound to play an even bigger role in the offense than last season, when he put up 1,838 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns on 305 touches. At quarterback, the Dolphins has the newly acquired Malik Willis, while the receiving corps features tight end Greg Dulcich and wideout Tutu Atwell.
Understandably, the Dolphins would want to hang on to an asset like Achane (87.1 PFSN RB Impact).
“Sources: Teams that have called the Miami Dolphins to inquire about trading for Pro-Bowl RB De’Von Achane have been told that he is not available,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Sources: Teams that have called the Miami Dolphins to inquire about trading for Pro-Bowl RB De’Von Achane have been told that he is not available. pic.twitter.com/pP77NaG6a3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2026
Figures around the league reacted to the situation surrounding Achane. “Get paid now — and not after another 300 touches,” Underdog’s Josh Norris tweeted.
“This is the kind of thing you tell Adam Schefter because you want someone to give you a good offer for De’Von Achane,” “Locked on Packers” host Peter Bukowski posted.
While Achane hovered below the radar in his first two seasons, he exploded onto the scene in 2025, just in time for a handsome extension. Given the absence of major stars, the running back likely has more negotiation leverage.
“Achane told me in November that he would like an extension instead of playing out 2026 on rookie contract,” the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson wrote. “Sullivan has said extension talks will come later in offseason with a few players. (Brooks, Brewer are the obvious others.)”
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“Schefter bomb,” Ghost of Adam Gase said. “Achane being 24 has a lot to do with this. Sully and company are happy to invest in young talent. It was almost like writing on the wall that Achane was being shopped after the Waddle trade. Going to be interesting how Achane’s camp handles extension talks going into year 4 – you’d have to think they want to have a new deal in place before camp. He was not a first-round pick and does not have a 5th year option.”
The running back made a strong case last season for being a potential cornerstone in the Dolphins. On 238 carries, he put up 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 67 passes for 488 yards and four scores.
“There are a few players Jon-Eric Sullivan has mentioned (unprompted) as building blocks for this team moving forward,” ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques tweeted. “Achane is one of them. He’s eligible for an extension and Sullivan hinted at one possibly coming this summer.”
It will take a sharp offensive mind to properly build around the small back. McDaniel used him effectively for two years, and it remains to be seen if Jeff Hafley and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik can do the same.
