The Miami Dolphins are undergoing a rebuild process. They have already released All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Pro Bowl pass rusher Bradley Chubb. Reports suggest that the team will also part ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, despite his large salary number.
With the Dolphins hiring Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager, the team is said to be prioritizing the draft over high-priced players. In terms of his philosophy, Sullivan revealed, “We’re going to draft and develop and retain our own,” he said. “It’s important to us that we raise our own because that’s culture, right? We don’t want a team full of mercenaries. That creates problems on multiple levels… But then within that, it’s who you infuse into that locker room. We want people who love football, who want to be the best that they can be, who are selfless, who are good teammates.”
As a result, people around the league have begun speculating that the Dolphins might part ways with some of their most talented players, which has led to De’Von Achane being subject to trade talks. And one possible scenario has him joining Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Possible De’Von Achane Trade
ESPN writer Dan Graziano wrote about the possibility of the Dolphins trading Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane. He said, “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. So, call any Achane trade a significant long shot that would take an awfully enticing package to get done.”
He listed the Chiefs, Vikings and Texans as potential fits. The Chiefs have been seeking a running back since the 2025 season, as ESPN writer Nate Taylor revealed that the team nearly acquired Jets running back Breece Hall last season. The Jets wanted a third-round pick, but the Chiefs believed they could acquire Hall in free agency. However, the Jets plan on placing the franchise tag, which would prevent him from joining Kansas City.
Since the Jets wanted a third-round pick for Hall, it would make sense for the Dolphins to want more than that. While talented, Hall has never had a season as good as Achane’s 2025 season. Achane totaled over 1,800 scrimmage yards, which is something Hall has never done despite a similar workload.
Dolphins Potential Return
Trading Achane to one of the teams most featured on a national scale would likely be a tough pill to swallow for Dolphins fans. And fans would most likely not be happy with the return. With only one year remaining on Achane’s contract, and the price for running backs not being what it once was, it seems unlikely Miami would obtain a first-round pick for Achane.
Although a tough decision, trading away Achane might benefit the Dolphins at the right price. A good example is the Carolina Panthers, who traded running back Christian McCaffrey for a second-, third- and fourth-round pick. A package like that could be difficult for Miami’s front office to turn down.
