Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane began attracting renewed trade interest the moment the team shipped out his teammate, receiver Jaylen Waddle, on Tuesday. An imminent teardown seemed possible, calling all contenders to attention. Even without a pressing need at the position, the Green Bay Packers probably had at least an eye on the situation.
Achane won't be going anywhere, however, the Dolphins reportedly informed suitors. Instead, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan indicated that the franchise views him as a long-term piece, per team reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.
For some Packers fans, the update may actually come as a relief.
As mock-trade fever spread to Green Bay, receiver Jayden Reed was consistently named as a potential outgoing pawn for Achane. Reed and a draft pick to Miami, Achane to the Packers?
Not everyone up north was thrilled about the idea, even as a one-for-one swap. Reed is a key cog in the Packers' offense, at a position that carries a lot more weight than running backs do in today's NFL. Well, now both fanbases can rest assured that a deal likely isn't happening.
Standing pat may be best outcome for both Packers' and Dolphins' fanbases
Malik Willis might be most relieved of all, though no doubt he would love to team up with Reed again as QB1 in Miami. Shortly after the former Packers backup joined the Dolphins, they traded his best receiver, Waddle. No other remaining wideout on the roster had more than Malik Washington's 317 receiving yards last season. Okay, not great.
Reed would help offset the loss, but without Achane, a weapon in both the run and the pass, the Dolphins' operation is a barren wasteland. Remove him from the equation, and what weapons would Willis have to work with?
There's a reason the do-it-all back was on Green Bay's radar last October. Already a tantalizing threat, Achane broke out in 2025 to the tune of 1,838 scrimmage yards in 16 games, plus 12 total touchdowns. He led the NFL with 5.7 yards per carry; explosive is his middle name. He also made his first Pro Bowl.
Few would dispute that it is tempting to imagine Achane in Green and Gold. The Packers, however, have already committed to running it back with Josh Jacobs. If anything, they need a backup to replace Emanuel Wilson. Not a superstar.
Reed is a valuable player in his own right. Injuries consumed his 2025 season, but he was the team's leading receiver each of the two years prior. Matt LaFleur's offense just hums differently when Reed is darting across the middle of the field and racking up yards after the catch.
Entering his final year under contract, it's quite possible that this will be his last go-round as a Packer, but Achane is in the same boat. According to Louis-Jacques, Sullivan suggested that a summer extension could be in the cards. Achane would otherwise hit unrestricted free agency in 2027.
Fortunately for those who had misgivings, if not downright disdain over the notion of a Reed-for-Achane swap, it seems highly unlikely to occur. In Green Bay, Jordan Love will keep one of his favorite targets as the Packers push for a Super Bowl. Achane will make Willis' life a thousand times easier by balancing the offense, and give Miami fans a reason to tune in for what should be another rough season. Everyone happy?