PHOENIX — The Miami Dolphins have a clear message for anyone calling about De’Von Achane: Don’t bother. General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan threw cold water on weeks of trade speculation Tuesday, confirming the star running back remains the cornerstone of the franchise’s future. Following a season where Achane averaged a league-leading 5.7 yards per carry, the Dolphins are looking to lock him up long-term rather than ship him out.
Miami Shuts Down the Trade Market
Speculation around Achane’s availability reached a fever pitch this month. With the Dolphins trading Jaylen Waddle and releasing Tyreek Hill in a massive roster reset, rival teams sensed blood in the water. Sullivan, hired in January from the Packers, stepped to the podium at the NFL Annual League Meeting to set the record straight. He didn’t just deny the rumors; he obliterated them. The Dolphins aren’t tearing it all down; they are building around the fastest legs in the league.
Achane’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of a track meet. He finished with 1,350 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground, adding another 488 yards through the air. You could feel the air leave the stadium every time he hit the second level. With Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel gone, some wondered if the new regime would value Achane differently. Sullivan’s stance proves the young back is untouchable as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.
“There is zero effort on my end to move Achane. He is a special talent. You don’t find guys with that home-run speed who can also handle a full workload. He is a piece we are building around, not moving away from.”
— Jon-Eric Sullivan, Dolphins General Manager
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
The Dolphins are sitting on a mountain of draft capital, holding 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. By keeping Achane, Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley are signaling a “retool” rather than a decade-long rebuild. The team will gain over $20 million in cap space this June following the release of Bradley Chubb, providing the perfect window to sign Achane to a market-setting extension. Expect the front office to use their seven picks in the first three rounds to find a new supporting cast for their lead back. Miami isn’t waving the white flag for the 2026 season; they are betting the house on number 28.
