The Washington Commanders have a number of needs on the defensive side of the football, but the franchise remains connected to multiple potential moves to add an elite running back alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Putting next week’s NFL draft aside for the moment, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report on Thursday, April 16 dubbed the Commanders among the top five trade destinations for Miami Dolphins breakout running back De’Von Achane.
The Commanders have the second-most cap space across the league. If they acquire De’Von Achane, the front office could use some of the team’s $49.6 million in cap space to make him one of the highest-paid running backs and the focal point of a revamped offense for years to come.
Washington doesn’t have its second-round pick this year. So, it may have to offer a starting-caliber player like defensive tackle Daron Payne, along with multiple picks, to get a deal done with the Miami Dolphins.
Dolphins Maintain Firm Line That De’Von Achane Unavailable for Trade
GettyMiami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane.
Achane’s cost will no doubt be high, if he is even available. The running back put up 1,350 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on a league-leading 5.7 yards per carry in 2025, adding another 488 yards and four scores through the air on 67 receptions.
New Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said as recently as Wednesday that Achane is not on the trade block following his third professional season and first Pro Bowl selection.
Miami’s fire sale of players upon Sullivan’s arrival, plus semi-stalled extension talks with Achane, have led to widespread speculation that the running back is now, or potentially will be, available via a trade.
“He’s not available for trade,” Sullivan said, per Pro Football Talk. “Things are going good. We’ve had some positive conversations over the last couple of days, trending in the right direction. Obviously, he’s very important to what we’re doing.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter authored a report Thursday that backed up what Sullivan said about the relationship between Achane and the Dolphins.
“Miami running back De’Von Achane, who was not present for the start of the team’s voluntary offseason workout program last week, was spotted in the Dolphins’ training facility today, per sources,” Schefter posted to X. “It is believed that Achane showed up as a sign of good faith, as the two sides continue discussing a contract extension.”
Commanders Interested in Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love in NFL Draft
GettyNotre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Washington’s interest in Achane makes sense given how the team is approaching the upcoming draft, in which it holds just one pick inside the top 70: No. 7 overall.
Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports cited sources who said the Commanders will not hesitate to select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love if he is available with the seventh pick.
“Several people tell me the team will jump all over Jeremiyah Love if he falls into their laps,” Pauline wrote Wednesday. “He’d be an additional weapon for Jayden Daniels, who’s coming off an injury-plagued season, and would end Washington’s running-back-by-committee approach.”
He may not fall that far, however, as the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 and New York Giants at No. 5 are both potential landing spots for Love, who is by far the highest-graded running back in the 2026 class.
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