Miami, FL – In a signal of continuity amid a whirlwind of roster changes, the Miami Dolphins have informed multiple teams that star running back De'Von Achane is not available for trade, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The news comes as the Dolphins continue a dramatic overhaul under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, who have reshaped the team's veteran core through a series of high-profile trades and releases. Achane, entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract at age 24, appears to be a cornerstone of the franchise's future plans.
Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that teams reaching out to Miami in recent weeks about acquiring the dynamic back were quickly rebuffed. This stance contrasts with the Dolphins' aggressive moves to part ways with other key players, including the trade of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos on Tuesday and defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets earlier this month.
The Dolphins' rebuild gained momentum last week when they released longtime quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, opting instead to sign free agent Malik Willis as his replacement. Earlier in the offseason, the team also let go of star wideout Tyreek Hill, further thinning a once-potent offense that had propelled Miami to playoff contention in recent seasons.
At the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis last month, Sullivan addressed questions about Achane's long-term status with the team. "I mean, he's a marvelous player," Sullivan said. "We want him to be part of this thing moving forward. ... We will have those conversations with him as well as some other guys as we move down the road, but that's going to be later in the summer."
Achane's value to the Dolphins was evident in his breakout 2025 season, where he rushed for a career-high 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the league with an average of 5.7 yards per carry. His versatility extended to the passing game, where he hauled in 67 receptions for 488 yards and four scores, making him a focal point for Miami's explosive attack.
Under new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Achane is expected to serve as the centerpiece of a revamped Dolphins offense in 2026. Slowik, hired this offseason, brings a scheme that emphasizes speed and playmaking from the backfield, aligning perfectly with Achane's skill set. The running back's retention could provide stability as Miami navigates a transition period marked by significant financial commitments.
The Dolphins' salary cap situation remains strained, with approximately $175 million in dead money projected against the cap for the 2026 season. This figure stems largely from the contracts of departed stars like Tagovailoa, Hill, and others, underscoring the long-term cost of the team's rapid roster turnover.
Miami's new leadership duo of Sullivan and Hafley took over in the wake of a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the Dolphins miss the playoffs for the first time in three years. Sullivan, previously with the San Francisco 49ers' front office, has prioritized youth and draft capital, trading away established talents to accumulate picks and inject fresh talent into the lineup.
Hafley, a defensive-minded coach from his time at Ohio State, has already begun installing a new scheme on that side of the ball, with Fitzpatrick's departure creating opportunities for younger players. The trade to the Jets netted Miami a second-round pick and a promising cornerback prospect, according to league reports.
The Waddle deal, meanwhile, sent the Pro Bowl receiver to Denver in exchange for a package including a first-round pick and additional draft assets. Waddle, who had been a reliable target for Tagovailoa, leaves behind a void in the receiving corps that the Dolphins aim to fill through the upcoming draft and free agency.
Achane's emergence as an untouchable asset highlights a shift in Miami's strategy. Drafted in the third round out of Texas A&M in 2023, he quickly became a fan favorite with his blend of speed and vision. Last season's performance not only earned him a spot in Pro Bowl conversations but also solidified his role as the engine of an offense now rebuilding around Willis, a former Tennessee Titans draft pick known for his mobility.
League observers note that Achane's rookie deal, which carries a modest cap hit of around $1.2 million in 2026, makes him an attractive long-term investment. Extension talks, as hinted by Sullivan, could begin as early as training camp, potentially locking in the 24-year-old before he hits free agency in 2027.
As the Dolphins prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft in late April, their focus will likely remain on bolstering the lines on both sides of the ball. With Achane anchoring the run game, Miami hopes to avoid another rebuild pitfall and contend sooner than expected in the competitive AFC East.
The retention of Achane amid the chaos offers a glimmer of optimism for Dolphins fans, who have endured a turbulent offseason. While the path forward includes financial hurdles and unproven talent, the commitment to their star back suggests a belief in building around proven performers. ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques contributed to this report.