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(Photo by Josh Lavallee/Getty Images)

On May 13, ESPN reported, citing a source, that the Miami Dolphins and running back De’Von Achane agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $64 million.

Furthermore, the report mentions that the agreement includes $32 million guaranteed for Achane. The $16 million average annual value also makes Achane the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL, and the bonuses could push the total value to $68 million.

With Miami locking up its running back through the 2030 season, former Dolphins tight end Darren Waller shared his thoughts on the news during a May 14 appearance on “Yahoo Sports Daily.”

“I’m super excited for that dude,” Waller said. “Man, he’s an alien. He’s so talented. He was doing everything last year with a calm, poised approach, and nothing really got to him. Just off the freakish talent he has, that man deserves every penny. I know his agent as well. Really cool for him. He deserves every penny, probably even more.”

Last season, the Dolphins star recorded an 89.2 overall PFF grade. Achane carried the ball 238 times for 1,350 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt on the ground and registering 49 missed tackles as a runner.

In the passing game, he caught 67 passes on 85 targets for 488 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Kadyn Proctor Sends Strong Message to De’Von Achane

During this offseason, there was trade speculation regarding Achane and the Dolphins, but the team didn’t pull the trigger on any deal. Moreover, with this new contract, the running back is a pillar of the Miami rebuild.

Miami used its 2026 first-round pick on Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, who is eager to help open running lanes for Achane.

“It’s going to feel so good, man,” Proctor said (h/t Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN). “Knowing that you’re blocking for a guy that makes your job easier, you just sustain your block for as long as you can and give effort and have that grit and toughness. He’s going to make plays. He’s a great running back, fast as hell, and I can’t wait to block for him.”

Furthermore, with the Dolphins’ passing game featuring a new QB, Malik Willis, and several young pass catchers, Miami will lean heavily on its run game. As a result, Achane’s production could bolster this upcoming 2026 season, as he is likely to become the go-to at the start of the campaign.

Why the Dolphins Didn’t Trade De’Von Achane This Offseason

Recently, Dan Graziano of ESPN explained why the Dolphins’ new front office decided not to trade Achane after dealing Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos this offseason.

“What I’ve been told is that the team views Achane, center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks, as foundational players and candidates for extensions rather than trades,” Graziano wrote in a May 12 article.

“New coach Jeff Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan aren’t interested in just white-flagging their first season by stripping things all the way down to the studs. Also, they need some players to build around, and they have identified Achane as one worth keeping long term.”