The Denver Broncos have already pulled off one headline-grabbing deal with the Miami Dolphins this offseason.
Now, speculation is building about whether another could be on the way. This time, the blockbuster being floated involves Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane.
Those rumors picked up steam after former Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib hinted that “something big” could be coming for Denver, possibly around draft time. That comment, paired with Achane’s unresolved contract situation in Miami, has fueled widespread speculation.
Still, not everyone is buying it.
“I don’t find it particularly noteworthy that Achane hasn’t been extended yet,” Chad Jensen of Sports Illustrated wrote. He noted that many deals across the league don’t materialize until later in the summer. “But that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill.”
Achane’s Talent Is Undeniable but Price Complicates Broncos Decision
De’Von Achane is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign.
He rushed for 1,350 yards on 5.7 yards per carry, a mark that highlights just how explosive he is every time he touches the ball. He wasn’t just a ground threat either, as he added 67 receptions for 488 yards and four touchdowns, making him one of the most dangerous dual-threat running backs in football.
With his ability to break big plays and impact the game as both a runner and receiver, Achane has emerged as one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the NFL.
But the financial side is where things get complicated for the Broncos.
Estimates project Achane’s next contract to fall somewhere in the $11-14 million per year range, with significant guaranteed money attached. That’s a steep price for a Broncos team that already made a commitment to J.K. Dobbins this offseason.
As free agency has unfolded this offseason, Denver’s approach has been clear. They have completely avoided overpaying at running back. The team reportedly backed away from pursuing Travis Etienne when his market climbed too high, as well as Kenneth Walker II.
This is a key detail Jensen points out that casts doubt on whether they’d suddenly pivot and spend even more for Achane.
– Dolphins want to play Achane on his 5th year option (being a 3rd round pick he doesn’t have a 5th year option)
– Achane wants 5-years, $50M (would make him 12th highest paid RB)
(Continued)
Why the Broncos-Achane Rumors Haven’t Gone Away
Even with those concerns, the speculation hasn’t faded, largely because of Miami’s offseason direction.
The Dolphins have already made multiple roster-altering decisions, leading some to believe more changes could be coming. Achane entering the final year of his rookie deal only adds to that uncertainty, especially if negotiations don’t progress.
At the same time, Talib’s vague but intriguing comments continue to hang over the Broncos’ offseason plans. Whether he was referencing a trade, a draft-day move, or a post-draft signing still remains unclear.
That ambiguity leaves the door open, at least slightly, for something unexpected.
For now, though, the most realistic outcome is that this remains just that: speculation. Achane is an appealing name, but when factoring in cost, roster construction, and Denver’s recent decisions, a deal feels unlikely, according to Jensen’s analysis.
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