ESPN has started identifying potential trade candidates across the league, with one dynamic offensive talent even loosely linked to the Minnesota Vikings as a possible addition.
Analysts Ben Solak and Dan Graziano compiled a ranking of the top 15 offensive players who could be traded. Miami’s running back, De’Von Achane, holds the number two spot. As one of the NFL’s premier backs, Achane is expected to command a lucrative contract soon. Whether the Dolphins, potentially in a rebuilding phase, will be willing to meet his demands remains uncertain.
Solak and Graziano named the Vikings as one of three potential landing spots, alongside the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans.
Graziano stated, “The buzz: The league appears to believe the Dolphins are undergoing a complete rebuild, leading to inquiries about their star players. My sense is they are far more inclined to extend Achane’s contract than entertain trade offers, but given their situation, they’ll answer the phone when it rings. Thus, any trade involving Achane should be considered a significant long shot, requiring an exceptionally tempting package to materialize.”
Indeed, most players are unlikely to be traded, but sometimes deals do happen, involving players and draft picks changing hands. The Dolphins have made several roster adjustments this offseason, sparking external speculation regarding the team’s future direction. Still, Graziano characterized any potential trade as highly improbable, suggesting Miami is more likely to extend Achane’s contract than to move him.
Achane is considered one of the league’s elite runners, as Solak emphasized.
“The tape: The Dolphins valued Achane highly at the trade deadline and will likely continue to do so. The 24-year-old running back possesses game-breaking speed, strong receiving capabilities, and far better toughness and tackle-breaking ability than his slight build might suggest. He is a superior — and younger — talent compared to anyone in the robust free agent RB market. Achane rushed for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns last season, with his 5.7 yards per carry leading the NFL.”
The 24-year-old entered the league with genuine track speed, recording a blistering 4.32-second 40-yard dash.
Unlike many fast players, the 2023 third-round pick has successfully translated that speed to the football field. He stands as one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the game, capable of changing the outcome on any given play. This makes him particularly intriguing for the Vikings. While Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are competent, they don’t pose the same home-run threat. Furthermore, Jones might be cut due to his salary cap hit no longer aligning with his on-field performance.
In his first two professional seasons, Achane accumulated 800 and 907 rushing yards, respectively. That figure surged to 1,350 yards in 2025. His touchdown production has remained consistent, starting with 8, followed by 6 in 2024, and returning to 8 last season. His career average of 5.6 yards per carry underscores his exceptional efficiency and capacity for big plays.
The Texas A&M product is also an excellent pass-catcher, having secured 145 receptions for 1,080 yards and 10 touchdowns over the past few seasons.
When asked about trading Achane and wideout Jaylen Waddle, new Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan conveyed to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, “You never rule it out, but these are fantastic football players. They are game-changers. They are positive presences in the locker room. These are individuals I envision being with us for the long haul. Again, you never say never, but I certainly want these guys to remain part of the Miami Dolphins team. I believe they are players you can build around, and they contribute to winning.”
Should Achane realistically become available, he would represent the kind of explosive skill player currently absent from Minnesota’s backfield offense.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference was utilized in crafting this article.