Achane: Dolphins want to be run heavy

Spring and summer reports indicated that the Dolphins’ new coaching staff wanted to operate a run-heavy offense. Those reports weren’t lying. Achane took run after run up the middle until he punched one in from one yard out. Questions remain as to how efficient this offense might be, but Achane is seemingly set to handle a large workload again this season. Backup RB Jaylen Wright was the RB2 tonight, taking his first carry for 13 yards up the middle.

Asked if the big-bodied Gordon would function as a short-yardage banger in 2026, Hafley said he would rather see Gordon “compete” to be an “every-down back.” “I think he’s capable of doing it,” Hafley added. “Ollie has flashed and knows what he’s doing. He has great speed, he has great size, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield too.” Hafley also complimented Gordon’s pass blocking. Gordon is coming off a disastrous rookie campaign in which he totaled 199 yards and three touchdowns on 70 carries, good for 2.8 yards per rush. Gordon ranked 56th out of 65 qualifying backs in rushing success rate last year. He ranked 58th in missed tackles forced per rush. Gordon, an extremely productive college rusher, will compete with Jaylen Wright for RB2 duties behind De’Von Achane this month.

Achane’s recovery from a clean-up procedure on his shoulder has progressed well, paving the way for him to be active for the first day of camp on Wednesday while avoiding PUP. Fresh off a four-year extension, Achane enters the 2026 season as a volume-based RB1 in fantasy circles, although there are legitimate concerns considering the plentiful changes up and down Miami’s roster. The Dolphins currently project to be a bottom five offense in the new season, something that could significantly limit Achane’s weekly upside.

Achane underwent a clean-up procedure on his shoulder during the offseason. He has been practicing in a limited capacity recently but hasn’t been fully cleared yet. Achane told reporters he has regained his strength in his shoulder, meaning the team is likely just being cautious with his return to action. Given that they signed him to a four-year, $68 million contract extension this offseason, it’s hard to imagine the shoulder being even a minor issue by the time camp starts in two months. Barring a surprise, Achane should enter the regular season as a locked-in fantasy RB1.

At this point, all we know is that Achane missed at least one OTA session a few days ago. His expected return timeline is unknown, but the front office has only signed free agent RB Carlos Washington Jr. in Achane’s absence. The team does not seem to be panicking. It’s entirely possible that the team is sidelining Achane out of an abundance of caution. The Dolphins’ first two OTAs occurred on May 18th and 19th. They hosted another today, which could provide more insight, and will go on break until the 26th. We should have an update by then.

After signing a four-year contract extension worth $68 million last week, Achane is practicing alongside his teammates under new Miami head coach Jeff Hafley. Hafley said “the feeling around the team was excitement, happiness for De’Von Achane after settling the business side of things this offseason with his contract extension,” according to the Sun Sentinel’s David Furones. One of the league’s most efficient running backs, Achane is set to be the centerpiece of the Dolphins offense in 2026.

The Dolphins secure their franchise running back, making Achane the NFL’s third-highest paid running back. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz adds that the contract includes $32 million guaranteed; it’s the most guarantees and average salary per year ($17 million) for a running back coming off a rookie contract. The 24-year-old was set to enter the final year of his rookie deal coming off his first career 1,000-yard rushing season. Totaling 1,838 all-purpose yards and making a Pro Bowl last season, Achane cemented himself as a cornerstone piece for a Dolphins offense entering a rebuilding phase. Speed and pass-catching are two of his most valuable traits, making him a high-end RB1 for fantasy purposes. With a deal making him one of the highest-paid running backs in football, Achane figures to see another 200-carry, 80-target season in 2026.

Achane and the Dolphins’ front office are attempting to work out a long-term contract extension. The team hosted the first day of its voluntary offseason workout program last week. Achane did not attend. Per Schefter, today’s return to the team training facility is believed to be a “sign of good faith” from the 24-year-old running back. A prior ESPN report indicates Achane is hoping to beat the four-year, $48 million contract extension signed by Bills RB James Cook last offseason. Overall, Achane’s appearance seems like a step in the right direction for all involved.

Sullivan and the entire Dolphins organization have made it clear this offseason that Achane is not on the trade block, even as the team actively tears things down at other positions. Achane did not report to voluntary OTAs while working toward a new contract, but all signs point toward this standoff ending in a timely fashion. Sans Jaylen Waddle, Achane is now the centerpiece of the Dolphins’ offense. Even if the team struggles in 2026, his pass-catching role alone should keep him afloat as an RB1.

Achane, LB Jordyn Brooks, LB Tyrel Dodson and C Aaron Brewer are all entering contract years. Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan previously referred to Achane, Brooks and Brewer as the team’s “three pillars,” yet today Kelly quotes him as saying, “nobody is untouchable in this business.” Kelly believes that Achane will be aiming to beat the four-year, $48 million contract extension that Bills RB James Cook signed in August 2025. Kelly also notes that the team will offer contracts sometime in the next two weeks, but that the Dolphins believe that other teams “will likely get serious about trying to acquire Miami’s top veterans.” Achane skipped the team’s April 7 voluntary workout in what head coach Jeff Hafley called “part of the business,” it wouldn’t be surprising if more business decisions happen in the future.