De’Von Achane is the Dolphins‘ most valuable offensive playmaker. Here’s why they have nothing to lose and everything to gain by trading him.
I understand why this team is publicly suggesting he’s untouchable. He’s one of the best running backs in the league and is still only 24 years old. He could dominate for another two or even three years.
But it’s risky for rebuilding franchises to build their offenses around their star running back, especially someone entering his fourth NFL season… and especially someone who lacks the size to be a long-term starter.
A case could be made that Achane is “built differently”-that his speed and elusiveness make him the ideal cornerstone franchise player. Or a case could be made that this team might quickly reassemble and compete for a playoff spot by 2027, which presumably would still be during Achane’s prime years.
However, this line of thinking doesn’t take into account two issues. The first is Achane’s relatively diminutive size. Running backs who are 5’9″ and below 200 pounds don’t generally sustain value in this league. Maurice Jones-Drew was 5’7″, but also carried a 210-pound frame. While Darren Sproles was only 5’6″ and 190 pounds, he was used mostly as a pass-catcher throughout his career.
Achane is being utilized as a between-the-tackles workhorse. His stock won’t get much higher and, realistically, might not get any higher. And that’s the second issue. The Dolphins could keep him, eventually sign him to a deservedly generous extension, and then hope he’s worth the relatively huge cost for an aging RB. Or they could trade him for draft capital to expedite their rebuild, knowing that their young backfield is still deep.
After their 1-15 season in 2007, Miami underwent a transformation that included dumping legendary defensive players Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas. The following season, the new-look Dolphins won the AFC East title–the last time they’ve done that. This offseason, management might consider the long-term benefits of selling high on a prime asset.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Why the Dolphins should trade De’Von Achane as soon as possible
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