De'Von Achane sets goal to lead NFL in rushing

De'Von Achane sets goal to lead NFL in rushing

De'Von Achane, RB for the Miami Dolphins, said at a Wednesday training camp press conference that his goal this season is to lead the NFL in rushing yards. NFL Network aired the clip and Adam Schefter amplified it. The statement is not just motivation talk; the supporting context gives it real weight.

What changed around him this offseason

Miami brought in new head coach Jeff Hafley and new OC Bobby Slowik, who has publicly said he believes in running the ball. WR Jaylen Waddle was traded to the Broncos, which makes Achane the clear top offensive weapon. New starting QB Malik Willis is a dual-threat passer, which typically opens running lanes and reduces defensive focus on the backfield. The offense is being built around Achane.

Achane also signed a four-year contract extension this offseason worth roughly $64 to $68 million, locking him in as the long-term centerpiece. He comes into camp healthy after shoulder surgery.

How close was he to the rushing title in 2025

Achane finished 5th in the NFL in rushing yards last season with 1,350 yards on 238 carries and 8 rushing TDs. He led the league with 5.7 yards per carry and added 67 receptions, 488 receiving yards, and 4 receiving TDs, earning his first Pro Bowl. James Cook won the rushing title roughly 271 yards ahead of him.

The gap is real but closeable with increased carries in a run-first scheme. In 2025, Achane averaged about 238 carries. The path to the title likely requires something closer to 280 to 300 carries, which Slowik's system and the absence of a proven WR1 could facilitate.

Fantasy outlook

Achane enters 2026 as a locked-in RB1. The combination of a run-heavy scheme, a contract that signals full commitment, and the removal of Waddle from the target tree all funnel volume to him in both phases. He is not just a big-play back anymore; he is being used as a workhorse with pass-catching upside on top.

The real risks are Malik Willis as an unproven starter (defenses may stack the box if the passing game struggles) and Achane's injury history from 2024. But the floor of volume is higher than it has ever been.

If you do not have Achane in redraft or dynasty, you are likely paying a steep price to get him now. His ADP should reflect a top-five RB, and this news only reinforces that.