Dolphins GM sends clear message to teams about potential De'Von Achane trade

While new Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is undeniably in the early stages of a roster rebuild, he insisted earlier this spring that trading talented running back De'Von Achane this offseason will not be part of that process. 

However, the fact that Achane remains in the final year of his rookie contract understandably has some assuming that he could be dealt this spring for the right price. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Sullivan seemed to send a clear message about Achane's future. 

Is De'Von Achane available ahead of the NFL Draft?

"He is not available for trade," Sullivan said about Achane, per Kevin Patra of the NFL's website. "Things are going good. We've had some positive conversations over the last couple days. Trending in the right direction." 

Since the end of the 2025 season, the Dolphins have parted ways with big-name contributors such as wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, pass-rusher Bradley Chubb and receiver Tyreek Hill. Critics have openly accused Sullivan of basically "tanking" the upcoming season with the 2027 draft in mind, which is why some are not buying what he's been trying to sell regarding Achane's future. 

That said, the Dolphins signed signal-caller Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5M contract with $45M of the deal fully guaranteed in free agency. Willis can't throw passes to himself, and giving him a proven ball-carrier such as Achane could make life a little easier for the 2022 third-round draft pick who thus far has made just six career regular-season starts as a pro. 

Are Dolphins close to signing De'Von Achane to an extension?

"He's obviously very important to what we're doing," Sullivan added about Achane. "It's all part of it. It's part of professional sports. We'll get where we need to be one way or another, but yeah, things are trending in the right direction."

That's all well and good, but history shows that such comments don't always guarantee that the two sides involved will put pen to paper on an extension. Until a deal is made official, questions about Achane's future will continue to hover over the Dolphins.