The Miami Dolphins are embracing the tank, and star running back De’Von Achane could be the next player to reach the trade block if the two sides cannot agree to an extension. After firing head coach Mike McDaniel, the new regime effectively blew up the old foundation, releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill while trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos for a first-round pick. New head coach Jeff Hafley is effectively rebuilding from scratch, but all reports indicate that they want Achane to be a part of that future.
However, Achane will be a free agent after this season, and a recent report from Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald indicates the two sides are not close on an extension. Achane is one of the league’s most explosive running backs and is probably looking for a deal that mirrors Kenneth Walker’s three-year, $48 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. If Miami is not willing to make that type of offer, they should maximize their return and trade De’Von Achane to one of the following teams.
“Tailback De’Von Achane, inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson, and center Aaron Brewer are all entering the final season of their contract, and therefore seek extensions. The Dolphins are aware, and have discussed it with each,” Kelly writes. “But no deals are close, sources say.”
Dolphins Could Trade De’Von Achane As Contract Talks Stall
Washington Commanders
Reports across the league indicate the Washington Commanders have their eye on star running back prospect Jeremiyah Love. The Notre Dame product is easily the best all-around rusher in this class, but he might be off the board by the time the Commanders are on the clock. This team needs more help at the position, as Jacory Croskey-Merritt did not impress as a rookie, and free agent signee Rachaad White is strictly a pass-catching back. De’Von Achane is dangerous as a receiver, but he’s also one of the league’s most explosive runners and should thrive alongside Jayden Daniels.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals hold the third-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which might be too early to justify selecting a running back. If they pass on Love, they’ll need to find a long-term starter for this backfield. James Conner is on the wrong side of 30, and free agent signee Tyler Allgeier hasn’t had a featured role since his rookie season. A De’Von Achane trade would make all the sense in the world for a team with arguably the worst quarterback situation in football.
Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones is back for another season, but the longtime Packer isn’t getting any younger. Head coach Kevin O’Connell believes in the power of the run game and he’ll need someone to lead this backfield, especially with a journeyman quarterback in Kyler Murray running the offense. Murray isn’t anything special, but he should be able to lead a team this talented to the playoffs if they can get a strong run game. De’Von Achane is one of the league’s better running backs, and his explosive style of rushing should pair well with the mobile Kyler Murray.
