Dolphins, De’Von Achane agree to 4-year contract with $32M guaranteed: Sources

De’Von Achane and the Miami Dolphins have agreed on a four-year contract extension that will make him among the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, league sources have confirmed to The Athletic.

The deal includes $32 million in guaranteed money, with $64 million in base compensation. The extension, which could rise as high as $68 million if the former Texas A&M standout reaches certain incentives, ties Achane to Miami through the 2030 season.

The contract will make Achane the NFL’s third-highest-paid running back in terms of average annual value ($17 million) behind Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley ($20 million) and San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Christian McCaffrey ($19 million), according to Spotrac.com.

Achane, who turns 25 in October, is coming off his first Pro Bowl season. Last year, he rushed for a career-high 1,350 yards on a league-leading 5.7 yards per carry.

The Dolphins selected the Aggies standout in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he tallied 800 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in 11 games.

Miami will likely lean on its star back after parting ways with several key offensive contributors under the new pairing of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. The Dolphins traded top receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos in March, waived starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who’s since signed with the Atlanta Falcons, and released veteran receiver Tyreek Hill.

The long-term deal for Achane backs up Sullivan’s previous comments pledging the franchise’s commitment to the explosive running back.