De'Von Achane, Houston Texans
Getty
De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins looks on after a game against the New York Jets.
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio is an aggressive deal-maker, as evidenced by his willingness to trade in a variety of scenarios throughout his tenure, and there is a strong likelihood of that continuing this offseason.
There is more work to be done, and Caserio has been forthcoming about how the Texans will approach some key positions, with running back among the most notable.
There could also be a prime target emerging.
In this article:
Proposed Trade For AFC Rival’s RB
What Texans GM Had Said About Potential Trades
Texans Among ‘Fits’ for Dynamic Pro Bowler
Texans Facing Looming Hurdle
Texans Trade Pitch Lands 3,000-Yard Rusher
Miami Dolphins, De’Von Achane
GettyDe’Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills.
Caserio has been doing the media rounds, like many of his NFL front office brethren, and the Texans executive noted his history of wheeling and dealing with trades during the draft. They made seven trades during the 2025 cycle alone.
However, just because the Texans make a trade during the draft does not mean it will be for a player in the class. It could also be a deal for an established player.
This Heavy Sports Texans trade pitch would target Miami Dolphins RB De’Von Achane:
Texans get:
De’Von Achane
Dolphins get:
2026 third-round pick
2027 conditional third-round pick (becomes second with 1,000 rushing yards in 2026)
Achane, who turns 25 in October, logged his first 1,000-yard campaign in 2025, finishing with 1,350 yards and 8 touchdowns on 238 carries. He has improved his production in each of his last two seasons after a 103-800-8 rookie campaign.
Achane is also a talented pass-catcher, with 172 receptions for 1,277 yards and 13 TDs in his career to go with his 544-3,057-22 line.
That sort of dual-threat ability would be a fine target for the Texans in a trade.
Texans GM Nick Caserio Open to Deal
Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Caserio spoke candidly about his willingness to deal, and he made trades for two established players among the Texans’ offseason moves during the 2025 offseason.
“We’re picking 28th right now. That could change, knowing our track record, we’re moving around the board. We just create flexibility and optionality for ourselves,” Caserio said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on February 26, noting that they try to factor in a prospect’s potential role with the club and even that they will move on if there is a discrepancy.
“We try to take it case-by-case. So, we’ll deal with free agency. And then, once we get through free agency, take a little Snapshot of the team. And then, once we get to the draft, honestly, we’re just picking the best players that we feel are going to help us over the course of our program.”
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander also noted the Texans’ history and Achane.
“Houston general manager Nick Caserio said drafting a running back or trading for one are also options. A potential trade could include Miami Dolphins running back DeVon Achane,” Alexander wrote on February 26.
“After missing out on [Saquon] Barkley, the Texans traded a seventh-round pick to the Bengals for Joe Mixon.”
Texans Among Potential ‘Fits’ for De’Von Achane
De’Von Achane
GettyDe’Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball for a touchdown against the New York Jets.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Benjamin Solak broke down the top-15 trade candidates for this offseason, and Achane made the list, with the Texans among the “potential team fits for the Missouri City native and Texas A&M alum.
“The buzz: The league seems to believe the Dolphins are in a full rebuild, which means they’re getting calls on all of their star players. My sense is that they’re far more likely to extend Achane’s contract than to listen to those trade offers, but in their situation, you answer the phone when it rings,” Graziano wrote on February 25.
“Call any Achane trade a significant long shot that would take an awfully enticing package to get done.”
Solak agreed, but noted that Achane is a superior option to anyone that the Texans might sign.
“The 24-year-old running back has game-breaking speed, high-volume receiving ability and much better toughness and tackle-breaking skills than his slight frame might suggest,” Soloak wrote,” Solak wrote, nothing Achane led the NFL in rushing yards per carry.
Texans’ Finances a Hurdle
Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio looks on before a game against the Chicago Bears.
ESPN put Achane’s chances of being traded at 10%. There would surely be competition for him, and his $5.9 million cap hit in the final year of a four-year, $5.4 million contract for potential trade suitors like the Texans to consider, too.
The Texans are over the salary cap and would need to make some adjustments to fit Achane into their plans. Spotrac also projects Achane’s market value at $12.3 million annually.
However, the Texans have a clear need that Achane could help address with a trade.