Dolphins running back De’Von Achane agreed to a four-year, $64 million contract extension with Miami, ending one of the team’s biggest offseason subplots ahead of training camp in July, according to multiple reports.
Achane’s deal is the first long-term contract the Dolphins doled out under first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, the tandem undertaking a major restoration project on South Beach.
Achane, 24, is the lone remaining and proven playmaker from the offensive core of the Dolphins under fired coach Mike McDaniel. He rushed for a career-best 1,350 yards and scored eight touchdowns on the ground in 2025.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the former third-round pick hinted at a holdout with modest guarantees left on his contract. But the Dolphins made it clear, publicly and to Achane’s representatives, he wasn’t going anywhere. Sullivan referred to Achane as a pillar of the team and Hafley said he wasn’t interested in any trade involving Achane.
The new contract extension includes $32 million in guarantees and can be worth up to $68 million with incentives, according to reports by The Athletic and ESPN.
In total, he would be the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL under those terms at an average annual salary of $16 million per year.
Saquon Barkley of the Eagles ($20.6 million) and 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey ($19 million) are the only backs with a higher AAV.
The Dolphins subtracted top playmakers Tyreek Hill (released), Jaylen Waddle (traded to Denver) and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (released) among other salary-clearing moves this offseason. Miami plans to pair Achane and former Titans and Packers quarterback Malik Willis in a run-heavy scheme in 2026.
The 84th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Achane split time with Raheem Mostert and logged 800 yards and eight TDs on the ground in 11 games (four starts) as a rookie. He gained a gaudy 7.8 yards per carry that year.
The following season, he started 16 times and came off the bench once, producing 907 yards and six touchdowns on 203 carries (4.5 per attempt).
In three seasons overall, he has 3,057 yards and 22 touchdowns on 544 carries (5.6 yards per attempt).
Despite Achane’s success, the Dolphins finished just 13th in rushing yards in 2025.
–Field Level Media
