Miami Dolphins star running back De'Von Achane has established himself as one of the top runners in the league and could be even better in 2026.
Miami Dolphins star running back De'Von Achane has established himself as one of the top players at his position.
Achane is set to enter his fourth season in the league and is one of the highest-paid players at his position. The 24-year-old recently agreed to a four-year, $64 million contract with the Dolphins, and with that comes a ton of expectations.
All eyes will be on Achane as the Texas native is primed for a big season, given the fact that he is certainly the team’s best player. The 2026 season could be a great one for Achane, so much so that he is predicted to make one of the All-Pro teams.
Bradley Locker of PFF named Achane as one of 10 players to make an All-Pro team.
"With how well Achane has performed as a pro, it’s getting increasingly difficult to not rank him high atop the running back totem pole. Since 2023, Achane’s 92.7 overall PFF grade is third at the position, featuring a league-leading 93.7 PFF rushing mark and an 85.7 PFF receiving grade.
"Fresh off a four-year, $64 million extension, Achane returns as the centerpiece on a Miami offense devoid of much skill-position talent. In many ways, that bodes well for Achane’s volume and cumulative stats in both the pass and run game, as does the Dolphins adding first-round lineman Kadyn Proctor.
"With Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey coming off fairly down seasons as rushers, Achane could be in position to capitalize like Robinson did in 2025."
There is no reason why Achane shouldn't have the best year of his career (individually speaking). The Dolphins may not win a ton of games this season; however, there will be no lack of volume and touches for the star back.
The Dolphins, including head coach Jeff Hafley, view Achane as a cornerstone piece for the team; it’s one of the reasons why they decided to hang on to him this offseason. He will be the offensive workhorse for the team, especially after that extension.
Miami is going through a tough transition, as the team and Achane himself refused to use the term “rebuilding” year. He refuses to call the 2026 season such a thing, as he recently set high expectations for the Dolphins and himself.
“Everybody keep (talking) about this rebuild. Hey, I ain’t got time for that,” Achane said. "Like I ain’t got time for it…I’m not trying to hear no ‘we rebuild for two years’. I ain’t trying to do it…I want to win division, we got to win the playoff game. (I’m not) even going to say we going be trying to win the championship but we just got to get those things first. Like we haven’t did (any) of those things since I’ve been here. We (were) close but it ain’t happened, so we going to start winning the division, win a playoff game…you know, just see where we go from there.”
