After an offseason of uncertainty surrounding their star running back, the Miami Dolphins have made sure he isn’t going anywhere. The Dolphins just signed RB De’Von Achane to a four-year, $68 million extension, per Jordan Schultz. Achane is coming off a season in which he ran for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 67 receptions for 488 yards and four touchdowns.
At $17 million in average annual value, Achane is now the third-highest-paid running back in the league, behind just the Eagles‘ Saquon Barkley and the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey. The deal is worth $32 million guaranteed, making Achane’s extension the most ever in total guarantees and average per year for a running back coming off their rookie deal.
A former third-round pick out of Texas A&M in 2023, Achane has 3,057 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns in his three-year NFL career. He also has 172 receptions for 1,277 yards and 13 touchdowns in that same span.
The Miami Dolphins are Fully Committed to RB De’Von Achane
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 28: De’Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins is tackled by Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
This extension is extremely notable for several reasons. Not only did Miami commit a lot of money to Achane — in an age when the running back position is becoming increasingly devalued across the league — but the Dolphins are entering a full rebuild. They aren’t expecting to compete this year, but they clearly see Achane as a core part of their future.
The Dolphins made the tough decision to part ways with former No. 5 overall pick and Alabama star QB Tua Tagovailoa, eating a massive amount of dead money on their cap to move off his contract. Tagovailoa had some excellent seasons in Miami, but his injury issues (concussions, specifically) were becoming an increasing concern for the team, and they wanted to move in a different direction.
With Mike McDaniel out as head coach, replaced by former Packers DC Jeff Hafley, some level of roster churn was to be expected. But this is a full tear-down: Tyreek Hill was cut, and his much younger running mate (and star receiver in his own right), Jaylen Waddle, was traded to the Broncos. Miami is preparing to endure a potentially tough season to rebuild assets and develop a brighter future.
All this context only serves to make Achane’s extension that much more fascinating. The Dolphins are fully committed to him as a key component of their offense, a star they can’t afford to lose. And now he’s set up to be “the guy” in Miami’s offense for years to come.
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane is a Unique Playmaker
Coming out of college at Texas A&M, Achane was an interesting prospect. He possessed blazing, game-changing speed, but his production for the Aggies was a bit inconsistent and there were real concerns surrounding his slight frame and minimal involvement in the passing game.
What’s been so impressive about Achane’s early NFL career in Miami isn’t just that he succeeded — it’s the manner in which he became a star. Yes, he’s fast, a true threat to make a house call on every touch. But he’s tough between the tackles, a major factor as a receiving weapon out of the backfield, and can churn out tough yards when called upon.
All this made the Dolphins confident enough in him to reward him with this big extension. Now, it’s up to him to go out there and continue to be the star he’s been since he was drafted by Miami.
BREAKING: Dolphins Sign RB De’Von Achane to Massive Extension