One of the biggest needs facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2026 offseason is finding stability in the offensive backfield. Both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are scheduled to hit free agency, and second-year back Brashard Smith didn't give the coaching staff any reason to believe he can handle a starting role. This leads us to speculate on whether the Chiefs could add Miami Dolphins star running back De'Von Achane, with a myriad of changes for the Miami Dolphins continuing to unfold. It makes sense for both sides to get a deal done with Kansas City in the final year of Achane's contract.
Miami has already made it clear that the 2026 season will be a rebuilding year by releasing Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. Both players are still more than capable of producing, yet the Dolphins pulled the trigger on a roster reset, making it clear that star players aren't untouchable. This includes safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has been a part of trade speculation over the last few days. All of this suggests that Achane and the Chiefs could be a perfect fit if the front office makes a legitimate effort to acquire him.
Achane is coming off a solid 2025 season, recording 1,350 rushing yards and eight touchdowns despite playing in a very limited offensive attack. It is fun to imagine the type of numbers that Achane might produce in Andy Reid's attack, having the chance to play with Patrick Mahomes and facing the least pressure of his career. This brings us to look at potential trade price and contract status, the most important factors in a potential deal.
Chiefs Presented with Perfect Opportunity to Solve Backfield Woes Trading for De'Von Achane
A Day 2 pick seems more than fair for a player who has only one year of control remaining. It makes sense that any deal struck would include an extension from KC, making the idea of giving up a second or third-round pick more acceptable. All of this adds up to a very plausible trade that perfectly answers the Chiefs' biggest offensive need and, most importantly, takes pressure off Mahomes.
The explosive quality that Achane brings to the backfield isn't just utilized as a rusher; the versatile back is a solid pass catcher and would offer his quarterback a consistent outlet. This is a much-needed missing piece; neither Hunt nor Pacheco has this skillset. Add in that both pending free agents offered nothing in the way of explosive runs, and it is glaring just how big of an upgrade this would be.
As Miami tears down its roster, it could also get some joy from the fact that sending Achane will help block division rivals, in the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills, from realizing Super Bowl aspirations. The deal makes far too much sense for both sides not to be explored.