Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is making one thing clear as the NFL Owners Meetings continue this week: running back De’Von Achane is a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.
Joe Rose detailed Sullivan’s commitment to the 24-year-old playmaker, calling an extension for Achane a "priority" despite a massive roster overhaul that has seen stars like Jaylen Waddle traded away.
"He’s got a gear nobody else has," Rose said, echoing the front office’s sentiment. Achane, coming off a 1,350-yard rushing season in 2025, is viewed as a rare three-down back capable of anchoring an offense that Rose admitted looks like "the worst team in football" on paper today. The Dolphins are currently navigating a cemetery of dead cap space after parting with several high-priced veterans, a move Sullivan reportedly felt was necessary to reset the team's financial health for 2027.
The transition also extends to the quarterback room, where Malik Willis has been named the definitive starter over Quinn Ewers. In a sign of the new regime’s culture, Rose noted that Sullivan was "real careful" to keep Willis in the loop regarding the Jaylen Waddle trade to Denver. By giving the quarterback a heads-up, the front office aimed to ensure Willis felt supported rather than "ambushed" as he takes the reigns of a rebuilding unit.
Sullivan, who spent over two decades in the Green Bay Packers organization, appears to be implementing a draft and develop strategy reminiscent of his time in Wisconsin. While fans may be bracing for a difficult 2026 campaign filled with free-agent fillers at receiver and tight end, Rose indicated that the organization believes this disciplined, "Green Bay way" is the only path to sustained success. For now, the focus remains on evaluating Willis and securing Achane as the face of the new-look Dolphins.
