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A trade pitch resulted in the Jaguars adding a Pro Bowl running back
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a quiet offseason, and that has been by design, according to general manager James Gladstone. While losing running back Travis Etienne and All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency after their contributions to last season’s playoff team, undoubtedly hurt, the pair of moves was likely expected after Jacksonville entered free agency with minimal cap space.
Last season, the Jaguars were aggressive throughout the offseason and into the season with their additions. Those moves were made with the goal of raising the Jaguars’ floor, which they did as they won 13 games during the 2025 regular season.
Gladstone indicated that the Jaguars’ plans this offseason revolved around obtaining compensatory draft picks, as he said, “We’re at a stage now where a higher volume of draft capital is what we’re hunting up in those compensatory picks. When you think about high-priced free agents of ours who ended up signing elsewhere, well deserved contracts… In return, by not signing any outside free agents, we recoup 2027 draft capital.”
After that approach, the Jaguars are projected to add more draft capital, and that has given them the flexibility to explore potential trades. A recent trade idea has the Jaguars adding one of the fastest, most explosive players in the NFL in running back De’Von Achane.
Trade Pitch Results in Jacksonville Jaguars Landing Pro Bowl Running Back
The Miami Dolphins have undergone a drastic roster purge this offseason, which has included trading away some of their star players like Jaylen Waddle. As a result, rumors have surged about Miami trading running back De’Von Achane, who has only one year left on his rookie contract.
Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea pitched the idea of Jacksonville acquiring Achane in a trade that would see the Jaguars give up their second- and fourth-round picks in exchange for the running back.
Regarding how Achane might fit in Jacksonville, Shea wrote:
“Moving to Jacksonville in 2026, his stock rises significantly, as he becomes the clear lead back after Travis Etienne’s departure. With a bigger role in a high-powered offense under Liam Coen, Achane is projected to see more touches, goal-line opportunities.”
Trade Possibilities
Unfortunately for Jaguars’ fans who might be hoping to land the star running back, Miami does not seem eager to trade Achane. Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan told reporters during the NFL’s owner meetings, “There is zero effort on my end to move Achane.”
However, despite his comments, Sullivan had previously said, “My job as the general manager is if the phone rings, I have to listen. Any player is tradeable at a certain price.”
Whether the Jaguars’ second- and fourth-round picks are enough to entice Miami to move Achane remains to be seen. The last time a star running back got traded was when the 49ers acquired Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers. On that occasion, San Francisco gave up one second-, two third-, and two fourth-round draft picks.
Jacksonville has five draft picks inside of the first three rounds, meaning general manager James Gladstone does likely have the necessary draft capital to pull off a blockbuster trade like that.
Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer
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