
REPORT: MIAMI DOLPHINS EXPECTED TO TRADE PRO BOWL RB DE’VON ACHANE WITH COWBOYS AND SEAHAWKS LEADING THE CHARGE
🚨BREAKING NEWS: After initially signaling that Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane was off the market, the Miami Dolphins are reportedly changing their stance. Insider sources now expect the 24-year-old running back to be traded within the next 72 hours, with the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys emerging as the frontrunners for his services, according to NFL Drop.
Achane, a standout third-round pick in 2023 from Texas A&M, has quickly developed into one of the league’s most versatile backs. He finished his sophomore season with an impressive 1,350 rushing yards, 488 receiving yards on 67 catches, and 12 touchdowns. His 5.7 yards-per-carry average led the NFL, earning him his first Pro Bowl appearance. Despite his success, Miami is reportedly looking for “high-level” draft picks in exchange for Achane, given their current roster overhaul.
👇
The Dallas Cowboys’ Backfield Situation: Room for Achane
The Cowboys have a solidified starting running back in Javonte Williams, who signed a three-year, $24 million extension after a 1,201-yard, 11-touchdown performance in 2025. However, with the departure of pass-catching back Rico Dowdle—who signed a two-year, $12.25 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers—the Cowboys now have a noticeable gap in their backfield for passing situations.
Achane, who excelled in the receiving game with 67 catches last season, would fill that void perfectly. Though he’s not a direct replacement for Williams, Achane offers a unique skill set built for speed and space. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and create big plays in open space would make the Cowboys’ offense even more dynamic.
Adding Achane to a backfield that already includes Williams would give offensive coordinator Klayton Adams a formidable duo, and one that would make it much harder for defenses to load the box. With Dak Prescott under center, CeeDee Lamb as the primary receiving target, and now franchise-tagged George Pickens, Achane would be the cherry on top for a high-powered Cowboys offense that finished second in total offensive yards per game in 2025.
The Dolphins’ Financial Situation and Desire for High Draft Picks
Just two days ago, the Dolphins were adamant about keeping Achane, signaling to teams that he wasn’t available. This was likely part of Miami’s plan to build a new-look offense around Achane and quarterback Malik Willis, who signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract in March. However, Miami’s financial situation has complicated this vision. The Dolphins are currently ranked dead last in available cap space, sitting $8.2 million over the salary cap.
With the need to pay Achane on a new deal after the 2026 season, trading him for high draft picks has become a more sensible path forward. Spotrac projects Achane’s market value at a three-year, $36.7 million extension, though his value could rise significantly given the trends in the running back market this offseason, with Kenneth Walker III’s deal with the Kansas City Chiefs setting a ceiling of $45 million over three years.
Could the Cowboys Meet Miami’s Demands?
The main question now is whether the Dallas Cowboys will be willing to meet Miami’s asking price. Dallas, having traded away its 2026 second-round pick and used a 2027 fourth-rounder to acquire edge rusher Rashan Gary from Green Bay, does not have unlimited draft capital. However, the fit between Achane and the Cowboys’ offense is hard to ignore, and if Miami’s price becomes more reasonable, the Cowboys could make a push to acquire the Pro Bowl running back.
If the trade does happen, it would provide Dallas with the kind of versatile weapon they’ve been lacking since Dowdle’s departure. For Miami, the deal would allow them to bolster their draft capital and address their financial needs while also providing a clear pathway to continue their roster reconstruction.
Seattle Seahawks: A Dark Horse in the Trade for Achane
While the Cowboys are the clear frontrunners, the Seattle Seahawks are also in the mix for Achane. The Seahawks have an established running back in Kenneth Gainwell, but adding Achane would give them another dynamic weapon in the backfield. Achane’s ability to impact the game both as a runner and a receiver would complement Gainwell’s skill set and make the Seahawks’ offense more unpredictable.
Seattle could also offer solid draft compensation, which might make them a viable trade partner for Miami. As the Seahawks look to continue building a Super Bowl-contending roster, adding Achane could give them the offensive spark they need to compete at the highest level.
Conclusion: A Trade That Could Change the Playoff Landscape
The potential trade of De’Von Achane is one that could have a significant impact on both the Dolphins and the Cowboys, as well as the league as a whole. For Miami, the trade could serve as a necessary move to address financial concerns and gain valuable draft picks for future success. For the Cowboys, it would be a splash addition to their already loaded offense, giving them a powerful two-headed monster in the backfield.
As the trade deadline approaches, expect more updates to emerge. The Seattle Seahawks, while not the favorites, could also be a player in this deal, adding another layer of intrigue to what is shaping up to be one of the most interesting moves of the offseason. Stay tuned to ESPN for the latest developments on the De’Von Achane trade saga.