Devon Achane
Getty
Miami Dolphins RB De'Von Achane didn't show up for OTAs Tuesday, which could fuel further trade speculation around the running back.
Head coach Mike Macdonald has expressed confidence in the running back depth the Seattle Seahawks possess this offseason. Meanwhile, Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has called running back De’Von Achane a “pillar” for the franchise going forward.
But could Achane have other plans that causes the Seahawks to change theirs?
That could exist in the realm of possibilities after Achane didn’t show for the start of Dolphins offseason workouts Tuesday.
New Miami head coach Jeff Hafley confirmed to reporters Achane was not in attendance Tuesday. Hafley said the running back was the only Dolphins player he was aware of not at the team’s facility Tuesday.
The running back is entering a contract year in 2026 where he will make a $1.145 million base salary.
The 26-year-old badly outplayed the contract last season. Achane ran for 1,350 yards and scored eight touchdowns to make the Pro Bowl in 2025.
With his status in Miami a little uncertain, there could be an opening for the Seahawks to potentially exploit.
Dolphins’ Jeff Hafley Addresses De’Von Achane’s Contract
After confirming the running back was not in attendance Tuesday, Hafley tried to deflect the contract situation around Achane.
“I think those are talks for another time in between [De’Von] Achane and ‘Sully’ (Jon-Eric Sullivan) and those guys,” Hafley told reporters. “I’m not going to dive into those thoughts right now.
“That’s all like, honestly, that’s part of the business. It’s part of what every team goes through in those situations and they’ll work it out.”
It is part of the business. It’s also been Dolphins business this offseason to part with stars from its offense.
Miami released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins then traded wideout Jaylen Waddle.
Because of that, pundits have speculated Achane could be next.
If the Dolphins want Achane to be part of their future, then the running back likely wants to see that commitment in a new deal. Achane is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Sullivan told reporters at the NFL’s annual league meetings that signing Achane is a “priority.” Until it happens, though, running back trade rumors are likely to continue, especially if he’s not reporting to the team.
Could Seahawks Pursue Adding Dolphins RB?
The Seahawks are one of the most obvious potential landing spots for Achane because they lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in 2026 NFL free agency.
To replace him, the Seahawks signed Emanuel Wilson. Interestingly, Wilson crossed over with the new Dolphins head coach in Green Bay. Wilson was the Packers backup running back the past couple years while Hafley was defensive coordinator.
Wilson is one of seven running backs on the Seattle offseason roster. Ideally, Wilson will pair with Zach Charbonnet to share the bulk of the backfield snaps in 2026. But Charbonnet is recovering from a significant knee injury he sustained in January.
Draft analysts have projected the Seahawks to select a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft. But a trade for Achane could make more sense since he’s a proven commodity.
Achane led the NFL with 5.7 yards per carry last season. He’s averaged 5.6 yards per attempt throughout his three-year career. In 2023 and 2024, Achane eclipsed the 800-yard mark.
He’s also a strong pass-catcher. During 2024, Achane posted 78 reception, 592 yards and six touchdowns.
With seven backs already on the roster, the Seahawks don’t really need more running back depth. Instead, they require a runner who could start. That’s what could move the needle in Seattle.
Achane would offer that as a significant running back upgrade. Over the next few months, it would be wise for the Seahawks to monitor Achane’s contract situation with the Dolphins.