Miami Extends De’Von Achane

Miami Extends De’Von Achane

The Miami Dolphins have extended star running back De’Von Achane. He was entering the final year of his rookie contract and wanted a contract before fully committing to the summer program. The Dolphins are giving him a 4-year, $68 million deal with $32 million dollars guaranteed.

That is less than 2 years of the contract as the guarantees, likely signaling an upcharge on the signing bonus.

He is now the 3rd-highest-paid running back on a yearly average basis.

He is coming off an elite season with over 1800 total yards, 1350 of those on the ground. Miami’s overhauling of the front office led many to believe players were up for trade, and that was further solidified when Jaylen Waddle was shipped to Denver. The Dolphins did not target any running backs in free agency or the draft, helping the case of extending Achane.

After the recent extension of Jets running back Breece Hall, it seemed like the market for running backs was going to skyrocket. This is a very fair deal for Achane, who doesn’t get to reset the market with his new contract. Running backs from the 2023 and 2024 drafts will now all have a chance to jump Achane’s extension in yearly value as their contracts run out.

Although Miami carries an intense dead cap hit, they have been able to structure contracts such as quarterback Malik Willis and now Devon Achane in a way that alleviates current pressure on the salary cap. Now, they have decisions to make about center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks, including extensions or a potential trade.

Achane will turn 25 in October of this season. He is now locked into Miami for the rest of his prime years. It is not possible for me to convey how fair a price this is for the versatile backpack.

He is now below Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey in yearly value. He has over 3000 yards in 3 years, with an extra 1200 through the air. He is clearly a cornerstone for this new regime, ready to build around Achane and Willis on offense.