The latest De’Von Achane development isn’t good news for the Dolphins — but it is also not reason to worry
The Miami Dolphins opened their doors for the start of the 2026 offseason program on Tuesday, marking the first time in the Jeff Hafley era that the team was in-house. That is, however, with the exception of running back De’Von Achane. It also marked the first time that Jeff Hafley took to the podium for […]
The Miami Dolphins opened their doors for the start of the 2026 offseason program on Tuesday, marking the first time in the Jeff Hafley era that the team was in-house. That is, however, with the exception of running back De’Von Achane.
It also marked the first time that Jeff Hafley took to the podium for a press conference at the Baptist Health Training Complex; as he spoke to the media on Tuesday afternoon. One of the first revelations to come out of Hafley’s press conference is that Achane, who is currently scheduled to enter into the final year of his rookie contract, is not in the building for the start of the voluntary workout period.
De’Von Achane is absent from the start of Dolphins offseason workouts
“Achane was not here today…I’m not going to dive into those talks right now. That’s all, honestly, that’s part of the business. It’s part of what every team goes through in those situations. And they’ll work it out.”
— Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley on De‘Von Achane’s absence from Tuesday’s opening to offseason workouts
Hafley is exactly right, too. Would you have loved to see Achane in tow with the rest of the team as this new era of Dolphins football starts? Absolutely. The reality of the situation is different. Achane plays a historically devalued position. He is fresh off of a season where he logged north of 300 total touches. He’s got to play “the game” to position himself favorably in his negotiations on a new contract.
The Dolphins are no stranger to tough talks and negotiations. But what does make for a compelling storyline (but not necessarily a reason to worry) is how this front office, headlined by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, handles things. Miami’s past regime got ran over by big names looking for big money. How amicable will negotiations with Achane be?
The Dolphins haven’t really hid from the idea that they’re intent on keeping Achane in town and Sullivan has signaled on more than one occasion that they fully intend to keep Achane in South Florida. The general manager even went so far as to call an extension a “priority” this offseason.
This is nothing to fret. It is, after all, mandatory. It’d be a nice storyline to have avoided, but it is not a storyline for concern as we enter the second week of April.
Miami Dolphins News
