Running back De’Von Achane made it clear that he does not share the narrative that the Miami Dolphins are entering a rebuilding phase, despite the profound changes made by the franchise during the offseason.
“Everyone talks about this being a rebuilding year… I don’t have time for that,” Achane said on former offensive tackle Terron Armstead’s podcast. “I don’t want to hear that we’ll be rebuilding for two years.”
The organization is going through a new era under head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, both of whom came from the Green Bay Packers.
Drastic roster changes
Sullivan has made aggressive moves since his arrival. The most shocking was the departure of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose release left a $99 million cap hit spread over the next two seasons. In addition, Miami accumulates $179.4 million in dead money for the 2026 campaign.
Receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill also left the team. Waddle was sent to the Denver Broncos in a trade that allowed Miami to move up in the draft to select cornerback Chris Johnson out of San Diego State University.
For his part, Hill was released in February and continues to recover from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of the 2026 season. During his time in Miami, the veteran receiver earned two first-team All-Pro selections.
Malik Willis will lead the new offense
Despite the departures, the Dolphins tried to strengthen themselves by signing quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract. The former Green Bay Packers player aims to be the new starter after accumulating 1,233 total yards and nine touchdowns in his last two seasons.
Achane, however, prefers to keep more immediate goals before thinking about a Super Bowl.
“We definitely want to win the division and we have to win a playoff game. I’m not even going to say we’re going to fight for the championship yet, but we have to get those things done first.”
The 24-year-old running back is coming off the best season of his career, with 1,838 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns, figures that allowed him to earn his first Pro Bowl selection.
