Dolphins should reconsider stance on De'Von Achane

The Dolphins are in a difficult position

Miami made the decision to hit the reset button following 2026. That included firing Mike McDaniel and replacing him with Jeff Hafley. On top of that, the team moved on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. In the process, the Dolphins took a $99.2 million dead cap hit. 

Beyond Tagovailoa, Miami also recently decided to trade Jaylen Waddle, getting three picks, including a first-rounder, back from the Denver Broncos. On top of that, Miami also released star wide receiver Tyreek Hill earlier in the offseason. On the defensive side, Minkah Fitzpatrick was sent to the New York Jets.

Amid all of these changes, Miami will have about $175 million in dead money against the salary cap in 2026. That makes signing players to replace these losses difficult, to say the least.

Miami needs to reconsider not moving on from De'Von Achane

Miami's decisions this offseason appear counterintuitive. On one hand, they signed Willis, hoping to spark the offense. Then, they traded Waddle. There was a willingness to trade Waddle and seemingly rebuild the offense, but not to move on from Achane. 

In other words, it seems like the Dolphins want to enter a rebuild, but don't want to completely tear the team down to the foundation. That's a mistake. Without the full rebuild, which is made significantly more difficult by their salary cap situation, it's going to be hard to compete in what has quickly become a very tough AFC East.

That's why the Dolphins need to reconsider moving on from Achane. A talented and still young running back, Miami could get plenty of draft picks back for Achane. This is before he goes into the final year of his rookie contract. After that point, he'll likely walk or become significantly more expensive.

Miami has an option. Realistically, the Dolphins aren't going to be competitive this season. It would be wise to get what you can for Achane and fully commit to the rebuild.