MIAMI GARDENS ― The Miami Dolphins struck a 4-year, $64 million extension with star running back De’Von Achane before organized team activities begin.
Achane, 24, had 1,838 total yards for the Dolphins in 2025.
Only Ricky Williams has ever had more yards from scrimmage in a single Dolphins season.
It’s the first big contract extension for first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
5 reason De’Von Achane contract extension smart for Dolphins
De’Von Achane is one of NFL’s most electric players
In just three seasons, De’Von Achane has scored 35 touchdowns. That’s already more than the career TDs scored by former Dolphins stars Mercury Morris, Paul Warfield, OJ McDuffie and Jim Kiick.
Achane is one of the fastest players in the NFL. Yes, Miami wants to be more physical and more powerful. But Achane is tough. And versatile. He could be a full-time receiver if ever needed.
Achane led the NFL with 5.7 yards per carry last season. Miami needs players who are among the elite at their positions as they begin this massive rebuild.
Getting done deal now could save money long-term
Achane’s deal comes in behind only Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey in average annual salary. And Miami keeps him under contract at a low figure for 2026.
But the best part is Miami gets ahead of what are likely bigger pending extensions for Jahmry Gibbs and Bijan Robinson.
Many teams have shied away from paying running backs. But this is a very reasonable figure. Consider 14 guards are making more than $16 million per season.
And because Achane is only 24, so Miami could get five prime seasons before the deal is up.
Dolphins fans have a jersey they can actually buy
The Dolphins gutted their roster. Exciting and/or productive veterans like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and Minkah Fitzpatrick are all gone.
Miami fans can root for Achane – the Dolphins’ only 2025 Pro Bowler – and maybe even buy his jersey. What other jersey would you buy? Malik Willis? Maybe. Zach Sieler? I suppose. Jacob Rodriguez? Maybe. He is a rookie.
This team lacks star talent.
Achane is a star. And a fan favorite.
Jeff Hafley is committed to running the football
Achane is a smaller back. But he is physically strong. He is not afraid to run between the tackles. He is not afraid to catch the ball over the middle.
He can earn yards after contract. He is no scatback. And he is capable of carrying the load for Miami in the same way smaller stars like Warrick Dunn once did.
New offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik can design his offense around Achane.
“I believe in running the ball,” Slowik said, recently.
De’Von Achane can be Malik Willis’ best friend
Malik Willis lost receiver Jaylen Waddle as a top target ― after signing his deal with the Dolphins. Waddle was traded to the Broncos.
Achane should lead the Dolphins in touches this season. And he may even lead the team in receptions from Willis. He should be a security blanket, as they say.
Achane and Willis are two exceptional athletes for their positions. They can make big plays. They can help each other. The duo is, at least, a reason to watch Miami in 2026.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: De’Von Achane’s Dolphins contract is spot-on for these five reasons
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
