Achane signals readiness for expanded role following Dolphins contract extension
De’Von Achane says he is prepared to carry a heavier load for Miami in 2026 after leading the NFL in yards per carry last season.
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane has indicated he is prepared to assume a larger workload in the 2026 season, following the ratification of a four-year, $64 million contract extension. The 24-year-old, who recorded the highest yards-per-carry average in the National Football League during the 2025 campaign, views the financial commitment as a catalyst for increased responsibility.
Achane signed the extension approximately two weeks prior to recent media availability, a move that positions him as the third-highest paid running back in the NFL. Speaking to South Florida media, Achane acknowledged that the new financial structure comes with specific expectations regarding his on-field contribution.
“It comes with the territory. I think I’m ready for the job,” Achane said. “I knew when the contract got done, I was going to have to take on a bigger role. I’m going to be here if my team needs me in any way.”
The comments were made while Achane was easing back into practice at Miami’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs). He is currently recovering from a shoulder procedure earlier in the year, though specific details regarding his physical status beyond his participation in OTAs were not provided.
In the 2025 season, Achane carried the ball 238 times for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the NFL with an average of 5.7 yards per carry. He also recorded 67 receptions for 488 receiving yards and four touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
Despite the statistical success of the previous year, Achane emphasised a focus on continuous improvement rather than resting on his achievements. “There’s always something I can do better,” he stated. “Just because I had a good season last year — you can always improve. Now, I’m just trying to get better than last year.”
The extension solidifies Achane’s status among the top earners at his position in the league, aligning his financial compensation with the expanded role he expects to undertake in the upcoming season.
