The Kansas City Chiefs' passing game got a big boost when wide receiver Xavier Worthy finally returned from his shoulder injury in Week 6. They will also get Rashee Rice back in Week 7, meaning quarterback Patrick Mahomes will finally have some options to spread the wealth around.
Unfortunately, as the passing attack's outlook slowly improves, the Chiefs' running game is still a major concern. That's why general manager Brett Veach should be all over the Miami Dolphins, especially now that star running back De'Von Achane turned some heads with his latest Instagram post.
De'Von Achane Fuels Chiefs Trade Speculation with Latest IG Post
"One week they love me, one week they hate me, both weeks I got paid," Achane posted to Instagram on Thursday afternoon (h/t @schadjoe). It certainly doesn't sound like he's thrilled with how the Dolphins fan base is treating him amid his team's sub-.500 start.
It isn't unfathomable to imagine that Achane might be talking about his uncertain future in Miami. The Dolphins are entering Week 5 with a 1-3 record, and some fans believe it might be better to part ways with him and just recoup some assets to kickstart their rebuild — especially since he only has two years left on his rookie contract and there isn't a guarantee that the Dolphins will want to sign him to a new one.
Throw in the fact that Miami's offense took a major blow with Tyreek Hill's season-ending knee injury, and the Dolphins have every reason to blow up their current unit and build for the future.
Even though Achane is a trade candidate, he's still done a fantastic job this season. Despite his team's struggles and negative game script, he's still delivered, turning 50 carries into 246 rushing yards (4.9 yards per attempt) and one touchdown, all while adding 19 catches on 25 targets for 143 yards and two receiving TDs.
Given his ability to be a factor in the passing game, he's the type of dynamic running back that could thrive in head coach Andy Reid's offense, and the one the team has lacked since prime Jamaal Charles. He's also explosive, posting a 4.32-second 40-yard dash and constantly making the most of his breakaway speed and shiftiness to find big gaps in the defense.
The Dolphins are also looking at a potential change of regime that could force an Achane trade. General manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel both reportedly entered the season on the hot seat, and losing star Hill combined with a slow start could see them axed sooner rather than later.
As much as Reid didn't sound too convinced about potentially trading for an RB, he can't deny that this unit needs a shakeup. Rookie Brashard Smith just played his most snaps (19) in Week 4, all while Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt struggled to get much going.
The Nov. 4 trade deadline is still weeks away, but without Hill and a tough schedule looming, the Dolphins will be wise to move on from some stars and get as much draft capital as they can for them. If that's the case, the Chiefs can't hesitate to take advantage of their misfortune.