Dolphins Await De'Von Achane's Return as Offseason Workouts Begin

Star running back skips voluntary team activities, raising contract extension questions

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:28pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a football player in motion, broken down into overlapping planes of aqua blue, orange, and white, conveying the uncertainty surrounding De'Von Achane's absence from the Dolphins' offseason activities.The Dolphins' offseason workouts begin without star running back De'Von Achane, raising questions about his future with the team.Today in Miami

The Miami Dolphins kicked off their offseason training program, but were missing one key player - Pro Bowl running back De'Von Achane. Achane, who has one year remaining on his rookie contract, did not attend the team's first day of voluntary workouts, with head coach Jeff Hafley declining to comment on whether Achane's absence was related to contract negotiations.

Why it matters

Achane's absence is a notable development, as the Dolphins are in the midst of a roster overhaul and view the young running back as a key part of their future plans. His potential contract extension is a priority for the team, and his participation in offseason activities is important for building chemistry with new quarterback Malik Willis.

The details

Hafley told reporters that the Dolphins had near-perfect attendance on the first day of voluntary workouts, with Achane being the lone player absent. The head coach declined to comment on whether Achane's absence was due to contract reasons, stating 'Those are talks for another time between Achane, Sully and those guys. I'm not going to dive into those talks right now.' General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan had previously expressed the team's desire to sign Achane to a contract extension, calling him 'a difference maker as a player' and a 'building block' for the Dolphins' future.

  • The Dolphins held their first day of voluntary offseason workouts on April 7, 2026.

The players

De'Von Achane

A Pro Bowl running back for the Miami Dolphins who has one year remaining on his rookie contract and is seeking a contract extension.

Jeff Hafley

The head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The general manager of the Miami Dolphins.

Malik Willis

The Dolphins' new starting quarterback, acquired in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Those are talks for another time between Achane, Sully and those guys. I'm not going to dive into those talks right now. That's part of the business, it's part of what every team goes through in those situations and they'll work it out.”

— Jeff Hafley, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins

“Yeah, it's important to us to get a deal done with De'Von. He is a difference maker as a player. We are in talks. We're gonna try to get that done. It's a priority to us. He is a building block for us as we move forward.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan, General Manager, Miami Dolphins

What’s next

The Dolphins and Achane will continue contract negotiations in the coming weeks, with the goal of reaching an extension before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Achane's absence from voluntary workouts highlights the importance of the Dolphins' efforts to sign him to a long-term deal. As a key part of the team's future plans, his participation in offseason activities will be crucial for building chemistry with the new-look Dolphins offense.