The Chicago Bears' ground game had a sluggish start last season, but patience paid off. Under head coach Ben Johnson, once the revamped offensive line hit its stride, the running backs followed suit.
The Bears ended up averaging an impressive 144.5 rushing yards per game, ranking third in the league. But even great performances can be fine-tuned. With the Miami Dolphins potentially looking to offload talent, the Bears might want to explore acquiring De'Von Achane.
Why De'Von Achane Fits the Bears Perfectly
The Dolphins are making big changes, having already moved on from key players like Bradley Chubb and Tyreek Hill. With rumors swirling about trading Minkah Fitzpatrick and uncertainty surrounding Tua Tagovailoa, Miami might be heading for a rebuild.
This situation makes Achane a prime candidate for relocation. He becomes a free agent in 2027, so trading him now could yield valuable returns for Miami. Plus, with the Bears hiring Eric Studesville, formerly Miami's running backs coach, there's a natural connection.
Rumors suggest Miami is eyeing a second-round pick for Achane. While draft picks are crucial, adding a proven talent like Achane could elevate an already strong rushing attack.
The Bears' running game was a highlight last season, but D'Andre Swift's future with the team remains uncertain. He could become a salary cap casualty, and bringing in Achane might expedite that decision.
Achane is a dynamic playmaker, topping 100 yards from scrimmage in 10 of 16 games last season. He only dipped below 50 rushing yards once, finishing with 1,350 rushing yards on 238 carries (an impressive 5.7 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns. He also added 67 receptions for 488 yards and four scores.
The Bears already boast a powerful back in Kyle Monangai, who excels in goal-line and short-yardage situations. Pairing him with Achane's speed and elusiveness could create a formidable one-two punch. Johnson has experience with this kind of setup from his time with the Detroit Lions, where he successfully rotated Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Even if the Bears have other roster needs, ignoring the chance to acquire a playmaker like Achane would be a missed opportunity.