Miami Dolphins fans are eager to see how Jon-Eric Sullivan will shape up as the new general manager. Will he carve his own path or repeat the missteps of those before him? A key starting point could be the contract situation with De'Von Achane.
Achane is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and extending his contract now could be a savvy financial move for Miami. Locking him in before his value potentially skyrockets next year could save the team a few million dollars, which is crucial given their current cap constraints.
The recent extension of Javonte Williams with the Dallas Cowboys offers a blueprint. Williams' deal, a three-year extension worth up to $24 million, averages $8 million annually.
Achane, with his impressive stats over a shorter three-year span, might command a bit more. Both he and Williams contribute significantly as dual-threat players in the passing game, making their comparisons more straightforward.
Achane's numbers have been standout, especially considering the shorter timeframe. If he remains healthy, there's little doubt he'll continue to lead statistically. The question then becomes: how much more should he earn compared to Williams?
The ceiling for Achane’s new deal could be similar to what James Cook secured with the Bills. Cook's four-year, $46 million contract, with $28.2 million guaranteed, sets a high bar. Miami would be wise to avoid such a hefty commitment without flexibility in the later years, given their past struggles with bloated contracts.
Sullivan has emphasized that Achane, along with Jaylen Waddle and others, are foundational pieces for the franchise. If that's true, securing a deal for Achane before the 2026 season should be a priority.
Expect Achane's extension to surpass Williams' but fall short of Cook's, likely settling on a three-year term. The Cowboys have set the stage for negotiations, and now it's up to Sullivan and Achane's agent to make the next move.