A blockbuster trade has been completed today, with the Broncos acquiring Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins. They’ve paid a steep price, giving up a first and third round pick, while swapping fourth rounders.

It’s worth noting the increasing pressure on Denver’s front office. They were inactive during free agency, with fans and media ramping up the rhetoric that they were asleep at the wheel. There’s a definite sense that they’ve ‘made this happen’ — even if, per reports, they’d been chasing a Waddle trade going back to the deadline.

It’s interesting because as recently as three-and-a-half weeks ago the messaging out of Miami was that both Waddle and star running back De’Von Achane wouldn’t be dealt:

This was after both players were heavily connected to trades pre-deadline. Now that Waddle has been moved, is it possible GM Jon-Eric Sullivan’s words were merely an attempt to make sure he gets the best possible price for both players?

Clearly this is a tear-down rebuild by the Dolphins. They’ve moved so many pieces over the last few months. The signing of Malik Willis is a shot-to-nothing at quarterback and makes relative sense. It also provides a little bit of excitement for fans who are otherwise staring at a rough 2026 season.

Yet Miami, in the past penalised for a tanking and tampering probe, appear to be positioning themselves for the possibility of being well placed in the draft next year. Or at the very least, embracing a completely fresh start.

It’s entirely plausible Achane fits into their plans. He is immensely talented. He only turns 25 in October. They don’t have to get rid of everybody.

Yet with his contract due to expire at the end of the 2026 season, they are very quickly going to face a choice on whether to pay him. Does a big contract extension for a running back at this stage really make sense?

It might be beneficial for the Dolphins to work out the best trade package and keep adding stock. Achane playing on a desperate team isn’t going to be an environment for a productive ground game nor the best way to see his stock rise if you decided to move him before the deadline on a rental basis.

They really need to commit or move on, unless they’re comfortable rolling with a franchise tag next year.

It’s hard to work out what would be a fair offer. The Denver deal speaks to how teams view this draft class. The Broncos have given away a late first and third round pick for a player in Waddle who hasn’t reached 1000 yards in his last two seasons. It’s further proof that the value simply isn’t there in the late first round.

You could argue in the Seahawks’ case that no player at #32 could provide the level of impact Achane can. Meanwhile, you’d imagine other teams might be willing to offer more than #64.

Would the Dolphins trade their star runner for #32? Should the Seahawks consider it?

Firstly, this would be very similar to the Jamal Adams trade. You’d be acquiring a player for a hefty price at a non-premium position, then waiting (presumably) to pay them. This is a risky proposition, especially if Achane got hurt. It’d be a gamble — but perhaps one a defending Super Bowl champion can afford to make.

Secondly, they would have to view Achane in a totally different light to Ken Walker. They’d have to view him as one of the truly great running backs.

There’s evidence to back that up. Only Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson had more yards after contact than Achane in 2025 (977). He was was the only running back to average over +4 yards after contact per attempt. His mark, 4.11, was a fair bit ahead of Robinson in second (3.95).

No running back had more +10 yard runs (he had 40). He only fumbled once. His yards per attempt (5.7) was again well ahead of everyone else. He’s well versed in the zone scheme playing for Mike McDaniel.

Achane is a star — the kind who would warrant the level of contract given to the top players at his position. He’s done it all playing for a non-elite team, with a struggling quarterback. Imagine what he would look like playing for a contender?

Perhaps the Seahawks are resigning themselves to a cheap committee? They met with Jonah Coleman yesterday at his pro-day and he’s free to visit them without it costing an official-30 visit as a local prospect. They might just add a runner in the draft — be it Jadarian Price at #32 or someone else on day two and call it a day.

It really depends on their level of interest in adding proven quality to the position. They also need to consider, if their intention is to keep Zach Charbonnet beyond 2025, whether it will be unhelpful to add a star name on a big contract.

They have a lot of big deals to pay out over the next 12 months. Can they afford to add another from the outside?

They also might want to keep their options open. There’s over a month to the draft. Maxx Crosby is back with the Raiders but is there still a chance, before the draft, that he gets moved? You might want to leave the door open there.

However, running back is a need. Achane is one of the best. The Dolphins appear open for business. It’s something to consider.