The Miami Dolphins' offensive outlook in 2026 may depend more on their star running back than ever before.
Miami Dolphins' star running back De'Von Achane could do something no franchise running back has ever accomplished in franchise history in 2026: eclipse the 2,000-yard rushing mark in a single season.
Achane, 24, was awarded a four-year contract extension in the offseason after a career year in 2025, making it known to new Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley that the offense starts with him.
When the team opens training camp later this month, there will be growing pains in two specific position groups: quarterback and wide receiver.
Malik Willis, who signed a three-year contract during the offseason, isn't the most experienced quarterback in the league and has only six starts to his name. He has spent time with the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers, where he served as Jordan Love's backup.
As for the wide receivers room, there isn't a game-changing talent like Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle.
In fact, Miami's most experienced receiver is Tutu Atwell, a former Los Angeles Rams veteran who has not quite operated as a WR1 in the NFL thus far.
That could open the door for a much heavier workload for Achane in 2026. The offense is likely set to be built around a strong run game, leading to the dual-threat back seeing even more carries and targets.
The single-season rushing record in franchise history belongs to Ricky Williams, who ran for 1,853 yards during the 2002 season, leading the NFL in rushing that year.
Williams averaged 4.8 yards per carry that season and scored a career-best 16 touchdowns on 383 carries.
The last time an NFL running back rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single season was 2020, when Derrick Henry, as a member of the Tennessee Titans, finished with 2,027 yards on 378 touches.
Given Achane's ability to break multiple tackles and turn on the jets with his home-run speed, it is no surprise that he could end up having 15-plus carries every game.
Miami's big-bodied offensive line, which can open huge gaps for Achane, is a big plus, too.
Left tackle Patrick Paul is 6-foot-7 and weighs 326 pounds, while left guard and rookie Kadyn Proctor is 6-foot-7 and weighs 352 pounds.
Paul met with members of the media after an organized team activity on May 19 and was asked what he and Proctor could accomplish on the left side of the offensive line.
"Maul people. Definitely move people, be obstructing, and be a force," Paul said with a smile.
That is not to mention the stellar play from center Aaron Brewer, who was a nominee for Protector of the Year in 2025, and can move bodies in a significant way.
Additionally, Austin Jackson looks to make it through a full season healthy, and he and right guard Jonah Savaiinaea have preached the team's identity being one that focuses in on the run game and bullying defenders at the line of scrimmage.
Reaching 2,000 rushing yards remains one of the NFL's rarest accomplishments, requiring durability, efficiency, and a heavy workload over an entire 17-game season. Even so, the ingredients are in place for Achane to make a legitimate run at history.
For Dolphins news, analysis, and more, join the community HERE. Creating an account is completely free.
