MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley expects working back De’Von Achane to tackle a a lot bigger workload this season, even joking that there might be video games when Achane is so closely concerned that he’ll need assistance getting back to the locker room.
Hafley instructed Rich Eisen on The Rich Eisen Show Monday that he expects the 24-year-old professional bowler to be prepared for the calls for of the upcoming season.
“I just gave Achane a heads-up this morning and I told him you better be in good shape,” Hafley mentioned.
Hafley joked that Achane might be so worn out after some video games that he could need assistance getting off the discipline.
“I told him there might be some games when I have to pick him up and carry him back to the locker room because he’s going to be so tired,” he mentioned.
Hafley just lately instructed Achane that he doesn’t need to see the working back sign for a break.
“I told him I don’t ever want to see one of these head taps all year,” Hafley mentioned.
According to Hafley, Achane appeared him in the eye and responded, “‘You’ll never get that head tap from me.’”
Hafley then warned him that might be simpler mentioned than achieved if his workload reaches a sure degree.
“I said, ‘Don’t worry buddy. After you touch the ball 40-45 times, I might have to pick you up and carry you back into the locker room,” mentioned Hafley.
Hafley has additionally been impressed by extra than simply Achane’s pace and skill to make performs.
“I love the guy,” he mentioned. “You want to talk about a guy with some juice, a guy whose personality is starting to come out, a guy who’s starting to become a leader — I like those guys.”
Achane has already established himself as one in all the NFL’s most harmful playmakers due to his pace, however Hafley mentioned the working back’s soccer intelligence has additionally stood out to him.
“He’s one of the smarter players when you talk to him,” Hafley mentioned.
He mentioned Achane’s persona and power have additionally made him pleasurable to coach.
“He’s really a smart football player and it’s fun to go back and forth with him and he’s got this fun energy about him,” Hafley added. “I think he’s a stud.”
Achane had 238 carries and 67 receptions final season, giving him a career-high 305 touches. He had greater than 20 touches in eight video games, together with a season-high 28 in opposition to Buffalo on Nov. 11.
Achane has recorded 586 touches over the previous two seasons, eighth-most in the NFL throughout that span. His 145 receptions additionally lead all working backs over these two seasons, in accordance to ESPN,
That workload got here whereas Miami nonetheless had vast receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. With each gamers not on the roster, Achane is anticipated to change into a fair larger focus of the Dolphins’ offense.
Miami rewarded Achane earlier this 12 months with a four-year, $64 million extension that features $32 million assured. The deal displays the workforce’s plans to construct round Achane as a key piece of first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s offense and new quarterback Malik Willis.
Achane, a 2023 third-round choose, has scored 11 or 12 touchdowns in every of his first three seasons and recorded a career-high 1,838 yards from scrimmage in 2025.
The Dolphins additionally made adjustments alongside the offensive line, buying sort out Caedan Wallace from the New England Patriots in a commerce that included a 2029 seventh-round choose in alternate for a 2028 sixth-round choice, pending a bodily.
Wallace has appeared in 10 video games over two seasons with New England, making two begins. One got here at left sort out, whereas the different was as a sixth offensive lineman. The Patriots chosen him in the third spherical, 68th total, in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Another notable change on Miami’s offensive line has been Jonah Savaiinaea’s transfer to proper guard. Savaiinaea performed left guard all through final season and was amongst the lowest-ranked gamers at the place by Pro Football Focus. However, he has obtained constructive coaching camp critiques from Dolphins coaches and teammates since making the change.
With Achane anticipated to deal with an expanded function and Miami persevering with to reshape its offensive line, the Dolphins are relying on their younger working back to be the major piece of the offense in 2026.
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