Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright is following in the footsteps of De'Von Achane to reach his own level of success.
Life can be a bit tough for backup players who want to see as much action as possible, but they often have to wait for opportunities to come their way. That is the case for Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright.
Wright spoke to the media following training camp practice on Thursday and revealed his biggest change in 2026 is to let go of the need to be the one making plays as a running back. Seeing how running back De'Von Achane handles his game and received a deal, Wright wants to follow suit.
When Wright was asked about whether or not he need to essentially show off to get more playing time, he said that is not the case. Instead, he must be patient to get his opportunities.
"Exactly what you said, it was when I got in the game, it was 'I got to do this, I got to make a play, this, that, and the third.' And that's not good. You know, take what they're giving you. Take the little runs, the big runs going to come. You know, that's how I had to mature in my mind about the game. Like I said, control what I can control. So, you know, I'll be ready when them opportunities come and them big runs come," Wright said.
Wright has looked to Achane to model his game after, and the lead back certainly had a similar pathway to his success. In 2023, Achane was behind Raheem Mostert on the depth chart, but kept grinding and taking advantage of his own opportunities.
Achane turned 103 attempts into 800 yards, eight touchdowns, and a 7.8-yard-per-carry average. An unfortunate knee injury led to him missing several games.
Shortly after that, Achane took over the room in 2024, and in 2025 he led the NFL with a 5.7-yard-per-carry average, 1,838 rushing yards, and 12 touchdowns from scrimmage. He was also nominated to his first Pro Bowl.
Achane's success on the field led to an early four-year, $64 million extension, which now pays him $16 million per season and is good for the third-highest in the league.
Wright has made note of that success, and it is what motivates him.
"Seeing guys be successful, um, like guys in front of me, like Devon, you know, just how successful he is on the field. The type of athlete he is, you know, just me watching him, how he, you know, goes about his business, how he's intentional with every rep. Um, you know, then after that, he put two, three years, two, three great years together, and he got what he wanted. So, now he's financially stable, you know, to provide for his family, his child, um, and his life. So, I mean, just it's it's it's great to be able to see that and experience it," Wright said.
Wright and Ollie Gordon II are the backups to Achane, but they have seen their own limited success thus far.
Wright put together a 2025 season of 288 rushing yards and two touchdowns. While that Pales in comparison to what Achane put on the field, the Dolphins need quality backups and rotational players.
Wright will also be there in case something were to happen to Achane, and he cannot play. That was the case in 2025 when Achane missed Week 18 due to a shoulder injury.
The message of the organization taking care of its own has been felt by players, especially after Achane, center Aaron Brewer, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks all received their new deals.
Malik Willis even stated that thoes deals lit "lit a fire" in the locker room.
Wright can certainly be the next man up to work himself into a deal, but he has to follow those who came before him, such as Achane.
