Dolphins Make De'Von Achane Their Offensive Cornerstone in 2026 Reset

Overview

• The Dolphins have overhauled their core after a disappointing 2025, moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle and installing Jeff Hafley as head coach and Malik Willis at quarterback.
• De'Von Achane received a contract extension and is now the clear offensive focal point for Miami as it rebuilds.
• Achane posted a career-high 1,838 scrimmage yards in 2025, earned his first Pro Bowl, averaged about 5.62 yards per carry, and has scored 11 or 12 touchdowns in each of his three NFL seasons.
• ESPN and other analysts recommend increasing Achane's role in 2026 with more designed touches and zone-read concepts with Willis, while a league poll showed wide evaluator variance that ranked him eighth overall but placed him as high as third and sometimes unranked.
• Coaches and analysts warn the heavier usage raises immediate workload and durability questions because Achane has averaged about 238 touches per season through three years, which could force Miami to manage his snaps and deepen the backfield if the team leans on him.