Since his injury in 2024, Isiah Pacheco has not been the same home run threat for the Kansas City Chiefs, and calls are beginning to mount for KC to upgrade their RB1 situation via trade.
With the Miami Dolphins falling to 0-3 on September 18, Arrowhead Addict writer and analyst Christian Ainsworth urged the Chiefs to pursue a trade for one of the AFC East franchise’s top playmakers, speed demon running back De’Von Achane.
“The shortcomings of Kansas City’s running back room have been dissected endlessly, and for good reason. Through two weeks, Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have managed just 94 yards on 28 carries (a miserable 3.35 yards per attempt). That’s abysmal even by Andy Reid’s limited zone-run standards,” Ainsworth began.
Continuing: “Normally, when the passing game sputters, teams can fall back on the ground game to steady things. Unfortunately for Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ backfield has only added to the pressure created by an unreliable receiving corps. If this offense is going to stabilize—and raise its postseason ceiling—Kansas City needs an outside addition. Enter dynamic running back De’Von Achane.”
A former third-round selection in 2023, the slippery 5-foot-9 Achane has turned into one of the most dangerous running backs in the game due to his rare ability to take any rushing play or pass target the distance.
Using his blazing speed and quality route-running/hands, Achane followed up a 997-yard rookie campaign with another 1,499 scrimmage yards in 2024, just 1 yard shy of 1,500 yards. He also scored a combined 12 touchdowns last year after 11 as a rookie.
On top of all that, Achane is still young and in his prime RB years, as he will only turn 24 years old in October.
De’Von Achane Is ‘Perfect’ Trade Fit for Chiefs if Dolphins Begin Selling
GettyMiami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane in Week 3.
The Dolphins have remained adamant that their season is not over at 0-3, but another one or two losses could change their tone, especially if head coach Mike McDaniel is fired. If that were to happen, the Chiefs should be all over Achane, as he’s a perfect fit to significantly elevate their RB room.
“Achane’s skill set would be a natural fit in Kansas City’s offense,” Ainsworth argued with Arrowhead Addict. “His vision and burst make him a perfect match for Andy Reid’s outside- and inside-zone concepts, while his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension this team has been sorely lacking.”
“Explosiveness from the running back position has been missing ever since Jamaal Charles left town, and Achane’s speed immediately changes how defenses must respect both the run and the pass,” the writer went on. “Pairing his home-run ability with Patrick Mahomes’ recent transition to a more methodical passing attack would force defenses to play more honestly and open up space for everyone else.”
Ainsworth added that “beyond the scheme fit, Achane also brings postseason value. His big-play potential could be the difference between grinding through defensive slugfests and putting points on the board when it matters most, and—most importantly—helping to relieve pressure on Mahomes when the game is on the line.”
With Isiah Pacheco & Dolphins Struggling, What Might It Cost to Acquire Achane?
The final piece of this trade theory is two-pronged: Would the Dolphins trade Achane, and what might it cost to twist their arm into doing so?
In his article, Ainsworth suggested that “the Chiefs might be able to pry away a playmaker like Achane for as little as a fourth-round pick,” calling that a “bargain” and a “potential season-changer” trade for KC.
If that’s the asking price, he’s right, but the Chiefs may have to up the ante a bit to secure Achane.
As stated above, if the Dolphins continue to lose and a regime change appears likely, trading Achane would be a no-brainer — given that running backs don’t last forever, and a new offensive scheme could impact his effectiveness within the Miami offense.
That doesn’t mean they have to trade him to Kansas City, though. With a low cap hit of approximately $1.483 million in 2025, contenders would be lining up for Achane at a fourth-round trade valuation.
But, if the Chiefs go above and beyond with their offer, bumping the return to a third-, or even second-round pick, they might present the Dolphins with an offer that they cannot refuse.
And if that asking price feels too high, just remember that the Chiefs wasted a first-round pick on Clyde Edwards-Helaire and a third-round pick (plus an extra sixth) on Kadarius Toney to try to solve the rushing and screen game issues. Aka, the two areas in which Achane thrives.
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