The Miami Dolphins fielded calls on many of their players at the trade deadline, and one of the most sought-after was running back De’Von Achane.
The trade deadline looked poised to see plenty of movement from the Dolphins, but the team reportedly set high prices on a number of their key players in an attempt to force interested teams into paying a premium.
Had others paid the high costs the Dolphins were looking for, it would have pushed them into a full-scale rebuild. However, with the Dolphins holding firm on their asking prices, it has put the team towards a retooling trajectory rather than an overhaul.
This has seen the Dolphins retain their top players, and running back De’Von Achane has already shown the team that they were right to hold onto him as he remains a focal point for Mike McDaniel’s offense moving forward.
De’Von Achane Remains Important to the Miami Dolphins
Fanduel DFS
Sep 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Miami Dolphins running back DeVon Achane (28) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Reports suggest that the Dolphins placed a price of a second-round pick and more on Achane, meaning teams would’ve had to give up a lot for a position that many teams view as having less value than in years gone by.
For the Dolphins, however, the price is representative of how important Achane is to the team.
Since being selected in the third round (84th overall) of the 2023 Draft, Achane has established himself as the top running back on the team with 2487 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground.
He is on pace to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career this year, demonstrating his agility and ability to fight off tackles despite his 5-foot-9, 191lb frame.
What makes Achane so valuable is his skill in the passing game as well, where he has racked up 1,114 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns through the air – having positive chemistry with starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
32 touchdowns and over 3,500 total yards on offense make Achane one of the most impactful players the Dolphins have.
He moves the chains, with 155 first downs through his first three seasons, and he consistently puts in performances that help his team each week.
Achane is a Big Game Player for the Dolphins
Achane performs in big games, as highlighted by his enormous effort against AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills, one of the highest-rated teams in the NFL. The Dolphins entered the game 2-7 and desperate for some form of positivity on what many view as a lost season.
They got that with a 30-13 home victory against the Bills, who are chasing down yet another divisional title, and Achane played a significant part in that win.
The 24-year-old from Missouri City, Texas, led the charge on the ground with 174 yards on 22 carries – averaging 7.9 yards per carry and hitting the end zone for two touchdowns.
He also ate up yards through the air, hauling in six receptions for 51 yards (8.5 yards per catch), which was second on the team behind star receiver Jaylen Waddle’s 84.
When the Dolphins have relied on Achane more this season, they have looked like a much stronger team and have either won or come close to winning.
His two other best performances this season came in a 27-21 Week 4 win over the New York Jets, where he ran for 99 yards and a touchdown, and a narrow 29-27 Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, with Achane hitting 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Losing Achane would have a significant impact on the Dolphins’ offense, putting even more pressure on Tagovailoa, and holding onto him could be one of the key factors in any potential turnaround this season.
Main Image: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images