Dolphins GM Prioritizes Extending RB De'Von Achane

Miami rebuilding around young playmaker despite roster overhaul

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Miami Dolphins running back in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of teal, orange, and white colors capturing the dynamic energy of the player.The Dolphins' commitment to building around young talent like running back De'Von Achane reflects a disciplined, 'Green Bay way' approach to roster construction.Today in Miami

Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is making extending running back De'Von Achane a top priority, despite the team undergoing a massive roster overhaul that has seen the trade of star receiver Jaylen Waddle. Achane, coming off a 1,350-yard rushing season in 2025, is viewed as a rare three-down back capable of anchoring the Dolphins' offense as they navigate a difficult 2026 campaign filled with free-agent additions at receiver and tight end.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are in a rebuilding phase, having parted ways with several high-priced veterans to reset the team's financial health. Securing Achane as a cornerstone of the franchise's future is seen as crucial, as the team transitions to a new quarterback in Malik Willis and implements a draft-and-develop strategy reminiscent of Sullivan's time with the Green Bay Packers.

The details

Sullivan has made it clear that extending Achane is a top priority, despite the team's massive roster overhaul. The 24-year-old running back is viewed as a rare three-down back capable of anchoring the Dolphins' offense, which is expected to struggle in 2026 as the team fills out the receiver and tight end positions with free-agent additions. The Dolphins are currently navigating a 'cemetery of dead cap space' after parting ways with several high-priced veterans, a move Sullivan felt was necessary to reset the team's financial health for 2027.

  • Achane is coming off a 1,350-yard rushing season in 2025.

The players

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The Miami Dolphins' general manager, who is implementing a draft-and-develop strategy reminiscent of his time with the Green Bay Packers organization.

De'Von Achane

A 24-year-old running back for the Miami Dolphins, who is viewed as a rare three-down back capable of anchoring the team's offense as they rebuild.

Malik Willis

The Miami Dolphins' new starting quarterback, who has been named the definitive starter over Quinn Ewers.

Jaylen Waddle

A former star receiver for the Miami Dolphins, who was recently traded to the Denver Broncos as part of the team's roster overhaul.

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What they’re saying

“He's got a gear nobody else has.”

— Joe Rose

“Achane is a priority”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, Miami Dolphins General Manager

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to navigate the 2026 season with a roster filled with free-agent additions at receiver and tight end, as they continue to build around Achane and the team's new quarterback, Malik Willis.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' decision to prioritize extending running back De'Von Achane despite a massive roster overhaul highlights the team's commitment to building around young, talented players as they undergo a rebuilding phase. This strategy, reminiscent of the 'Green Bay way' that Sullivan is implementing, aims to set the Dolphins up for sustained success in the long term, even if it means a difficult 2026 campaign.