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One NFL insider explained why the Dolphins haven't traded De'Von Achane this offseason

The Miami Dolphins are in rebuild mode, as they have stripped their roster to the bones and started from scratch this offseason. The Dolphins’ new regime has not been shy in moving on from anyone whose departure saved them money against the salary cap or yielded a strong enough return on the trade market.

With all that being said, one guy who is surprisingly still on the team is running back De’Von Achane. While Miami opted to trade star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos (despite saying it wouldn’t), the front office has seemingly shut down any talks revolving around Achane. And thanks to NFL insider Dan Graziano of ESPN, we now know why that’s the case.

Why the Dolphins Haven’t Traded De’Von Achane

Achane was one of the only bright spots for the Dolphins in 2025, as he racked up 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns on 238 carries, while also catching 67 passes for another 488 yards and four more scores. That strong play earned Achane the first Pro Bowl selection of his career, and with Miami unloading so many players from its roster, it seemed like Achane could net a decent return for the team on the trade market.

Instead, the Dolphins have refused to trade Achane. Again, this has been made even more confusing by the team’s decision to trade Waddle after saying he and Achane would not be on the move. If the team was so willing to pull a 180 and deal Waddle, what would stop them from doing the same with Achane, especially since he is entering the final year of his rookie contract?

Right off the bat, Miami wasn’t going to be able to get the same return for Achane that it got for Waddle (three draft picks, including a first-rounder), because running backs aren’t valued as much as wide receivers are. Beyond that, though, is the fact that the Dolphins believe that Achane can be a key piece of their future for years to come.

“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. “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.”

De’Von Achane Set to Lead Dolphins Offense in 2026

GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 28: De’Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

With Waddle and Tyreek Hill gone, that leaves Achane as the main source of offensive production for the Dolphins moving forward. New quarterback Malik Willis is certainly going to have his work cut out for him because Miami’s depth chart at wide receiver and tight end is looking particularly barren.

Achane managed to rack up a league-leading 5.7 yards per carry last season, even with the rest of Miami’s offense being largely anemic, but he doesn’t have a guy like Waddle who can help take attention off him in the passing game. The Dolphins need Achane to be a building block on offense, and while he figures to put his best foot forward, finding space to run in 2026 could be a real challenge for him.