Dolphins Commit to Keeping RB De'Von Achane for 2026 Rebuild

Head coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan shut down trade rumors around the young running back.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:56pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Miami Dolphins running play, with sharp planes of aqua, orange, and white capturing the dynamic movement and energy of the running back.Achane's explosive running style is captured in a cubist deconstruction, hinting at the Dolphins' plans to build around the young running back during their 2026 rebuild.Today in Miami

The Miami Dolphins have decided to keep running back De'Von Achane as part of their 2026 roster rebuild, despite recent trade rumors. Head coach Jeff Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan have both stated that Achane will remain with the team, with Sullivan calling an extension for the young RB a 'priority' in the coming months.

Why it matters

Achane is one of the few offensive bright spots remaining in Miami after the departures of Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle. Keeping him as part of the rebuild will provide stability and a reliable weapon for new quarterback Malik Willis as the Dolphins work to reconstruct their roster from scratch.

The details

Achane is coming off the best season of his career in 2025, rushing for 1,350 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was ranked as the #2 running back in the PFSN NFL RB Impact metrics. With one year left on his rookie contract, there was speculation he could be traded as the Dolphins stockpile picks for their rebuild. However, both Hafley and new GM Sullivan have shut down those trade rumors, with Sullivan stating that extending Achane is a 'priority' for the team in the coming weeks and months.

  • Achane had his breakout 2025 season.
  • The Dolphins entered a rebuilding period after losing key offensive players like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle.
  • Hafley and Sullivan addressed the Achane trade rumors on March 30, 2026.

The players

De'Von Achane

A young running back who is coming off the best season of his career with the Miami Dolphins, rushing for 1,350 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2025.

Jeff Hafley

The head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who stated that Achane will remain with the team as part of their 2026 roster rebuild.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, who said that extending Achane to a contract extension is a 'priority' for the team in the coming months.

Malik Willis

The Dolphins' new starting quarterback, who signed a 3-year, $67.5 million deal in free agency and will benefit from having Achane in the backfield during the team's rebuild.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jeff Hafley, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins

“There is zero effort on my end to move Achane.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, General Manager, Miami Dolphins

What’s next

The Dolphins will work to sign Achane to a contract extension in the coming months, locking up one of their few remaining offensive stars as they rebuild the roster around new quarterback Malik Willis.

The takeaway

Despite the Dolphins entering a rebuilding phase, they recognize the value of keeping a talented young running back like De'Von Achane as part of their long-term plans. Retaining Achane provides stability and a reliable weapon for their new QB as the team works to reconstruct its offense from the ground up.