The Miami Dolphins have decided to maintain wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De’Von Achane as essential components of their future plans, according to reports from Marcel Louis-Jacques. Despite a willingness to consider offers for other players under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the organization is not actively seeking to trade Waddle or Achane and intends to keep both athletes on the roster.
New Management and Roster Adjustments in Miami
With the arrival of the new front office, the Dolphins have already experienced significant roster changes, with more adjustments expected in the near term. However, Waddle and Achane remain foundational pieces for at least the 2026 season as the team builds toward sustained success under Sullivan’s leadership.
Jaylen Waddle’s Career and Contract Details
At 27 years old, Waddle’s journey began with a notable collegiate career at Alabama, where he earned first-team All-American honors as a sophomore before an ankle injury sidelined him during the 2020 season. The Dolphins selected Waddle sixth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
He initially signed a four-year contract worth $27,085,991, which included a $17,058,902 signing bonus, along with a fifth-year option that Miami exercised for the 2024 season at $15.591 million. Prior to the 2024 season, Waddle secured a three-year extension valued at $84.75 million, with salaries of $17 million and $24 million expected over the two most recent years of the deal.
In the 2025 season, Waddle played all 16 games for Miami, catching 64 passes on 100 targets, accumulating 910 receiving yards and scoring six touchdowns.
De’Von Achane’s Emerging Role and Contract
Achane, who is 24 years old, was a standout running back at Texas A&M, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2022 after a single year as a starter with the Aggies. Miami drafted him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His current rookie contract spans four years and is worth $5,437,449, including a $954,509 signing bonus, while carrying a salary cap value of $988,627 for 2023.
During the 2025 season, Achane appeared in every game, rushing for 1,350 yards on 238 carries (averaging 5.7 yards per carry), alongside 67 receptions for 488 yards. He scored a total of 12 touchdowns, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and receiver.
Future Outlook for the Dolphins and Their Core Players
The commitment to retaining Waddle and Achane signals the Dolphins’ intent to invest in players who can drive sustained competitiveness. As Miami continues to navigate roster transformations under its new management, these two athletes are positioned as critical building blocks for the franchise moving forward.
“The Dolphins see RB De’Von Achane and WR Jaylen Waddle as important parts of their franchise.” – Marcel Louis-Jacques, Reporter
“They’ll listen to offers for every player on the team, but they are not shopping Waddle or Achane, and the plan is to keep both on the roster.” – Jon-Eric Sullivan, Dolphins GM
The Dolphins see De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle as important parts of their franchise
They’ll listen to offers for both players (as they would for any player) but the plan is for Achane and Waddle to remain in Miami, per Jon-Eric Sullivan
Miami not actively shopping either…
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) February 24, 2026
