Former Texas A&M star De’Von Achane has a $16 million deal, a bigger Miami workload and one bold 2026 goal: capture the NFL rushing title this season for Miami.
Former Texas A&M running back De’Von Achane has already turned his breathtaking speed into NFL stardom. Now, the Miami Dolphins’ newly paid centerpiece wants something even bigger in 2026: the league’s rushing title.
Achane enters the season after producing a career-best 1,350 rushing yards and earning a lucrative extension that reportedly averages $16 million per year.
That figure makes him the NFL’s third-highest-paid running back by annual value, trailing only Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley and San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey.
That’s rare territory for a position the league has often treated as replaceable.
It’s also a remarkable rise for the former Aggie, whose explosive ability was never in question during his time in College Station. Achane’s acceleration made him one of Texas A&M’s most dangerous weapons, and that same track-level speed has translated immediately against NFL defenses.
Last season, only James Cook, Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor and Bijan Robinson finished with more rushing yards. Achane also led the NFL by averaging 5.7 yards per carry, proving his production wasn’t simply the result of a massive workload.
Now he wants to pass everyone.
Achane has publicly identified the rushing championship as one of his primary goals for 2026. His reasoning goes beyond individual recognition. A productive ground game would stabilize Miami’s offense, control possession and ease the pressure on a roster undergoing significant change.
The Dolphins traded wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and released Tyreek Hill, removing the two most recognizable playmakers from their passing attack. That means Miami’s offense could look dramatically different, and Achane may become its unquestioned focal point.
Defenses will know he’s coming. That’s what makes the challenge so intriguing.
Achane won’t benefit from opponents devoting as much attention to Hill’s vertical speed or Waddle’s ability to stretch coverage. He’ll see heavier boxes, more aggressive run blitzes and game plans designed specifically to prevent him from breaking explosive plays.
Winning the rushing title under those circumstances would elevate him from star to legitimate franchise cornerstone.
Achane also understands that his role now includes leadership. With new faces filling key positions, Miami needs its highest-paid offensive weapon to establish the standard through preparation, consistency and production.
Texas A&M fans already know how quickly Achane can change a game. In 2026, the rest of the NFL may find out just how much punishment he can deliver when the Dolphins build their entire offense around him.
