Miami Dolphins RB De'Von Achane Misses Voluntary OTAs

New head coach Jeff Hafley says contract extension is a priority for the team.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:00am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp geometric planes in teal, orange, and white colors representing the dynamic nature of contract negotiations in the NFL.Achane's contract negotiations with the Dolphins expose the business side of the NFL, even as the team remains committed to keeping the talented running back in Miami.Miami Today

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane was absent from the team's first day of voluntary offseason workouts on Tuesday, April 7. Head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan have stated that keeping Achane in Miami long-term is a priority, and they want to work on a contract extension for the talented young back.

Why it matters

Achane's absence from the voluntary OTAs is notable, as it could signal ongoing contract negotiations or a desire by the player to ensure he is properly compensated. The Dolphins are hoping to build around Achane as a key part of their offense, so his participation in the offseason program is important for developing chemistry with the team.

The details

Achane, who had a breakout season for the Dolphins in 2025, was not present for the first day of the team's voluntary offseason training activities. Head coach Jeff Hafley acknowledged Achane's absence, but said the team remains focused on getting a contract extension done to keep the running back in Miami long-term.

  • The Dolphins began their voluntary offseason workouts on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Achane was absent from the first day of these voluntary OTAs.

The players

De'Von Achane

A talented young running back for the Miami Dolphins who is seeking a contract extension after a breakout 2025 season.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who has stated that keeping Achane in Miami long-term is a priority for the team.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The general manager of the Miami Dolphins, who has also said the team wants to work on a contract extension for Achane.

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What they’re saying

“We want to keep De'Von Achane in Miami and a contract extension is a priority for us.”

— Jeff Hafley, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins

What’s next

The Dolphins and Achane's representatives will continue contract negotiations in the coming weeks, with the goal of reaching an agreement before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Achane's absence from voluntary workouts is a reminder that the NFL is a business, and players will sometimes miss optional team activities while working on their own contract situations. However, the Dolphins appear committed to keeping Achane as a key part of their offense, which should provide some reassurance to fans that a deal will ultimately get done.