MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley expects running back De’Von Achane to take on a much larger workload this season, even joking that there could be games when Achane is so heavily involved that he will need help getting back to the locker room.
Hafley told Rich Eisen on The Rich Eisen Show Monday that he expects the 24-year-old pro bowler to be ready for the demands of the upcoming season.
“I just gave Achane a heads-up this morning and I told him you better be in good shape,” Hafley said.
Hafley joked that Achane could be so worn out after some games that he may need help getting off the field.
“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 said.
Hafley recently told Achane that he does not want to see the running back signal for a break.
“I told him I don’t ever want to see one of these head taps all year,” Hafley said.
According to Hafley, Achane looked him in the eye and responded, “‘You’ll never get that head tap from me.’”
Hafley then warned him that could be easier said than done if his workload reaches a certain level.
“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,” said Hafley.
Hafley has also been impressed by more than just Achane’s speed and ability to make plays.
“I love the guy,” he said. “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 of the NFL’s most dangerous playmakers because of his speed, but Hafley said the running back’s football intelligence has also stood out to him.
“He’s one of the smarter players when you talk to him,” Hafley said.
He said Achane’s personality and energy have also made him enjoyable 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 last season, giving him a career-high 305 touches. He had more than 20 touches in eight games, including a season-high 28 against Buffalo on Nov. 11.
Achane has recorded 586 touches over the past two seasons, eighth-most in the NFL during that span. His 145 receptions also lead all running backs over those two seasons, according to ESPN,
That workload came while Miami still had wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. With both players no longer on the roster, Achane is expected to become an even bigger focal point of the Dolphins’ offense.
Miami rewarded Achane earlier this year with a four-year, $64 million extension that includes $32 million guaranteed. The deal reflects the team’s plans to build around Achane as a key piece of first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s offense and new quarterback Malik Willis.
Achane, a 2023 third-round pick, has scored 11 or 12 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons and recorded a career-high 1,838 yards from scrimmage in 2025.
The Dolphins also made changes along the offensive line, acquiring tackle Caedan Wallace from the New England Patriots in a trade that included a 2029 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round selection, pending a physical.
Wallace has appeared in 10 games over two seasons with New England, making two starts. One came at left tackle, while the other was as a sixth offensive lineman. The Patriots selected him in the third round, 68th overall, in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Another notable change on Miami’s offensive line has been Jonah Savaiinaea’s move to right guard. Savaiinaea played left guard throughout last season and was among the lowest-ranked players at the position by Pro Football Focus. However, he has received positive training camp reviews from Dolphins coaches and teammates since making the switch.
With Achane expected to handle an expanded role and Miami continuing to reshape its offensive line, the Dolphins are counting on their young running back to be the main piece of the offense in 2026.
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