One of the Miami Dolphins’ most physically gifted youngsters is in a tough spot — but bringing the right mindset
Miami Dolphins third-year running back Jaylen Wright has plenty of ability, but he’s in a tough spot.
One thing I can tell you for certain is this: we haven’t seen the best of what Miami Dolphins third-year running back Jaylen Wright has to offer in the NFL.
But there’s a problem. The Miami Dolphins have over 60 million reasons to not have Jaylen Wright be their top running back. The extension for Dolphins star De’Von Achane keeps him as a centerpiece of Miami’s offense. But it also formalizes what we’ve already seen transpire over the past two seasons. It’s a blockade for a potential breakout for Wright. A physical runner with a ton of explosiveness, Wright is going to have to make the most of limited opportunities in South Florida. That’s the bad news. The good news is he’s got the right perspective to be ready when his number is called.
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright is in a tough spot but carries the perfect mentality
“I know my potential, I know my talent. With the opportunity, I know I have a chance to be a top back in this league. My goal is to contribute at a high level, be depended on, relied on, and make the most of every opportunity. Day by day, Every game, just keep one foot in front of the other.”
— Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright on his 2026 goals to Vince Ferrara
During a recent interview with Vince Ferrara of Sports Talk 99.1 out of Knoxville, Wright offered an even keeled response when asked about his goals and aspirations for himself. Given the pecking order of Miami’s backfield, this is where Wright has to keep himself. The only way to earn and secure more opportunities is to make the most of the limited ones you have. And for Wright, competition has been fierce in the backfield.
If Wright can follow through on being dependable and making the most of his opportunities? There’s a good chance he’ll secure a career-high in carries in 2026. The Dolphins’ brass has talked a big game as it pertains to running the football. And even with Achane’s new deal in place, there will be carries to go around.
Miami has finished 19th and 24th in rush attempts in the last two seasons — if that number goes up, so, too, do the opportunities. It’s hard to imagine Achane shouldering too much more of the load after posting 305 touches last season. So the number called may be Jaylen Wright’s. If it is, he thinks he’ll be ready.
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