Achane Extended and Other Backfield Matters

Achane Extended and Other Backfield Matters

The Miami Dolphins continue to make moves that will please the fans as they have signed Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane to a 4-year, $68 million extension. Achane is coming off his best year as a pro, rushing for 1,350 yards and 8 touchdowns, while adding 67 receptions for 488 yards and 4 touchdowns. He served as one of the few bright spots for the Dolphins in a season that every fan was happy to move on from. 

Achane wasn’t the only Miami Dolphins running back making headlines this week. Le’Von Moss, who just signed a 3-year contract with the team as an undrafted free agent, has announced his retirement from football. Moss was a talented running back for Texas A&M; his college career was derailed by injuries. He lost significant playing time with ACL and MCL injuries in 2024, then an ankle injury ended his season last year. It’s unclear if these injuries played a part in Moss calling it quits, but you have to assume they at least factored in. 

While Achane will be the undisputed starter next season, the question of who will be his primary backup remains unanswered. Ollie Gordon II showed some promise last season as a power back. Gordon recorded 70 rushing attempts for 199 yards and 3 touchdowns. Given that Gordon was the 2023 Doak Walker award winner, given out to the nation’s best running back, there was some hope that he would be a bit more productive and serve as the thunder to Achane’s lightning. 

In many ways, 2026 will be a make-or-break year for former 4th-round pick Jaylen Wright. Wright has struggled to find a field in his two seasons with Miami.

In 2024, he recorded 68 attempts for 249 yards.

However, 2025 was a bit kinder as he racked up 70 carries for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns. He really flashed his potential when he rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries against the New York Jets. 

I really feel Jaylen Wright can succeed if he is given the opportunity. When you watch him play, you can tell there is something there, but he hasn’t had many snaps to unlock the potential. After his breakout game against the Jets, Wright would only carry the ball 28 more times for the entire season. It’s unclear if he just drew the ire of McDaniel or anyone on his staff. Hopefully, he can find his niche with new Head Coach Jeff Hafley and his staff. 

With Moss gone before his Dolphins’ career really began, it will be up to Gordon II or Wright to step up into that backup role for Miami. If I had to say which one is more likely to land that role, I would lean towards Wright. He possesses a lot of the same talents that Achane does, just at a lower level. Should Achane have to miss some time next season, I think that Wright will capitalize on any opportunity given to him. Who do you think should be Miami’s backup behind Achane? Let me know in the comments.

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