Dolphins running back De’Von Achane said on Wednesday that he will pursue a contract extension with the Dolphins in the offseason, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Achane, 24, is in the third year of his rookie contract and will earn $1.5MM in 2026. He will be eligible for an extension next offseason.
The former Texas A&M standout was drafted in the third round (No. 84 overall) of the 2023 draft and has emerged as one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL over the last three years. Achane broke out as a rookie with 800 yards and eight touchdowns on only 103 carries (7.8 yards per carry) before emerging as a strong receiving threat in 2024. This year, he has 220 carries for 1,267 yards and eight touchdowns, plus 64 catches for 459 yards and four touchdowns.
Those results have created a strong extension case for the third-year running back. Achane leads the NFL with 5.8 yards per carry; the difference between him and James Cook (5.3 yards per carry) is the same as the difference between Cook and Javonte Williams in 13th place. His pass-catching abilities are especially valuable in the modern NFL.
Achane therefore has a case to be among the highest-paid running backs in the league. It may be difficult for him to surpass Saquon Barkley‘s $20.6MM but he still could still try to surpass Christian McCaffrey at $19MM. He has already demonstrated tremendous upside at a young age and the running back market could go up this offseason with Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker both set to hit free agency. At a minimum, those deals will raise the floor of Achane’s deal, while new contracts for Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson – both of whom will also be extension-eligible in the offseason – could significantly raise the ceiling.
The Dolphins may therefore be motivated to come to an agreement soon, but they have some arguments to limit his payday. His 5-foot-9, 191-pound frame was identified as a potential injury risk coming into the league, and those concerns materialized right away. Achane has dealt with multiple injuries in each year of his career, but only missed time in his rookie year. In 2024, he dealt with an ankle sprain and a concussion, and this year, he had a calf strain and a rib injury. He has played in every game in the last two years despite the injuries, but they remain a concern moving forward. Miami also has the option to use the franchise tag on Achane in 2027 that would almost certainly be cheaper than a long-term deal.
There is also the question of the future of head coach Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins more generally. The team has disappointed for a second year in a row, raising questions about their roster and leadership. General manager Chris Grier wanted to conduct a fire sale at the trade deadline; owner Stephen Ross disagreed and relieved him of his duties. McDaniel, however, seems poised to keep his job into 2026. Since the Dolphins’ offense is largely designed around Achane’s skillset, it makes sense that McDaniel not want to move him, especially heading into a pivotal season for the 42-year-old coach’s future in Miami.
The Dolphins still have the option to tag-and-trade Achane next offseason if they decide to move on from McDaniel and rebuild, which may also disincentivize an early extension. However, Achane would fit in almost any offense, so Miami could plan to keep him no matter what. That, combined with Achane’s clear desire to upgrade his salary, might be enough for the two sides to come together on a long-term deal in the offseason.
Great year considering the struggles in the passing game. Stayed healthy and needs to continue as the offensive line gets better.