Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has firmly dismissed trade speculation surrounding star running back De’Von Achane, declaring the 24-year-old “not available” for a deal as the team prioritizes negotiating a contract extension.
Sullivan made the declaration Wednesday ahead of the NFL draft, emphasizing Achane’s importance to the franchise’s future plans. “He’s not available for trade,” Sullivan said. “Things are going solid — we’ve had some positive conversations over the past couple days, trending in the right direction. He’s obviously very important to what we’re doing … We’ll get to where we need to be, one way or another.”
The GM’s stance aligns with comments he made earlier in March at the NFL’s annual meeting, where he identified Achane as one of Miami’s “pillars” alongside Jordyn Brooks and Aaron Brewer, calling an extension for the running back a “priority.”
Achane, who entered the league as a third-round pick in 2023, delivered a breakout season in 2025, rushing for a career-high 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns. His performance earned him first-time Pro Bowl honors and established him as the team’s leading skill player since his NFL debut.
The running back’s availability for trade became a topic of discussion after the Dolphins made significant roster moves during free agency, including trading star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos and releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wideout Tyreek Hill, and pass rusher Bradley Chubb. These transactions left Miami with $175 million in dead cap space, prompting speculation about Achane’s future with the team.
Despite the roster upheaval, Sullivan maintained that Achane remains central to the Dolphins’ plans. The general manager noted Achane showed up at the team’s training facility Thursday as a “sign of good faith” amid ongoing extension talks, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Achane is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Recent extensions for comparable running backs include Travis Etienne Jr.’s four-year, $48 million deal with the New Orleans Saints and Kenneth Walker III’s three-year, $43.05 million agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Dolphins’ approach represents an effort to avoid perceptions of tanking despite shedding several high-profile veterans. By treating Achane as a franchise cornerstone and pursuing an extension, Miami aims to signal commitment to competitiveness while managing its salary cap situation.
As negotiations continue, the team appears focused on securing Achane’s long-term future rather than exploring trade options, with Sullivan indicating discussions are progressing positively.
The next checkpoint in this situation will be the outcome of contract extension talks between Achane and the Dolphins, with no specific timeline provided for when an agreement might be reached.
What are your thoughts on the Dolphins’ handling of De’Von Achane’s contract situation? Share your perspective in the comments below.
