MIAMI — Dolphins running back De’Von Achane addressed reporters for the first time since signing a $68 million contract extension, saying the deal cements his commitment to the franchise and a larger leadership role on an offense undergoing significant roster turnover.
“It feels good, man. I just want to thank Mr. Ross and Sully (Jon-Eric Sullivan) and Haf (Jeff Hafley) for believing in me,” Achane said. “Now I know I’m going to be here a couple more years, so I feel great.”
Achane, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, said he has regained full strength and is working his way back to full participation, though he offered no firm timeline. Asked whether he expects to be ready for training camp, Achane said, “Hopefully, yeah.”
The deal comes amid a roster overhaul that saw the Dolphins trade or release several players from Achane’s draft class. Achane pushed back on the notion that Miami is rebuilding, a point he first made on teammate Terron Armstead’s podcast before reiterating it to reporters.
“The rebuild phrase for me it’s like, OK, they’re basically saying we’re going out here to lose every game,” Achane said. “I just can’t have that mindset of we’re going out here to lose. I feel like when you’re out there, whoever 11 out there, I feel like we’re going to go 100%.”
Achane spoke positively about new quarterback Malik Willis, saying the two are building chemistry heading into the season. “That’s who I’m going to be in the backfield with. Just know me and him are getting on the same page and working out, seeing him talk to other guys and making sure that we’re all on one page,” he said.
The running back also praised head coach Jeff Hafley, a first-year hire and defensive specialist. “This is my first time having a head coach that’s a defensive guy, so I’m always telling him like, OK, get on the defensive side of the ball, but he’s a great coach, man,” Achane said. “You see now the relationships he’s building, he’s trying to get to know everybody. He’s going to be good.”
Achane highlighted several offensive additions by name — receivers Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Malik Washington — as players who have impressed during the offseason program. He also pointed to defensive tackle Zach Sieler, his former locker mate as a rookie, as a critical veteran presence for a young defensive line group. “He’s not just one of the guys who talks, he also shows on the field. I mean you can’t get no better example than that,” Achane said.
The Dolphins continue their offseason program at Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, with training camp expected to open in late July.