The Miami Dolphins continue to shift toward a teardown, punctuated by their trading standout wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. A full-on rebuild underway in South Beach presents contenders like the Green Bay Packers a golden potential opportunity to acquire star running back De'Von Achane.
Achane's outlook with the Dolphins has been in question throughout the offseason, but the club's latest massive move brings his status to center stage. It remains to be seen if he will be part of their seemingly lengthy rebuild. However, the idea of him winding up in Green Bay suddenly feels plausible, especially considering the well-chronicled pipeline between these two franchises.
Of course, new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and quarterback Malik Willis headline the list of individuals coming from Green Bay. With that in mind, Packers fans can't help but connect the dots that send Achane from Miami to Titletown following the Waddle news.
Nevertheless, the strong pipeline between Miami and Green Bay isn't the only reason why an exchange centered around Achane makes sense for both parties. The Packers' demand for another back and the luxury of having a viable Waddle alternative to offer the Dolphins create a possible win-win swap.
Packers landing De'Von Achane suddenly feels real after Dolphins' blockbuster Jaylen Waddle trade
While the Packers don't own a first-round pick in 2026 or 2027, they have other resources. Teams appear to be keeping tabs on their wideouts, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. The former profiles as an ideal replacement for Waddle and could lower the draft capital compensation in an Achane package.
Moreover, the Packers figure to have several fourth-round selections next year (two compensatory and one from sending pass-rusher Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys). A combination of Reed/Wicks and mid-rounders may be enough to make it worth Miami's while for Achane.
Letting Emanuel WIlson walk in free agency has left the Packers with a meaningful backfield void. For now, they need a partner for bell-cow Josh Jacobs — and someone who can be his long-term successor. Enter Achane, who kills both birds with one stone and then some.
Jacobs has no guarantees on his current pact with the Packers beyond the $12.5 million signing bonus he secured in 2024. The lack of assurances allows Green Bay to hang onto the three-time Pro Bowler for as long as necessary. It also gives them the flexibility to upgrade from him when given the chance.