Bring Him Home: Texans Urged to Target De’Von Achane in Deadline Deal
The Houston Texans have been linked to running backs ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, and one of them may have just inched closer to landing on the block.
Miami Dolphins and former Texas A&M Aggies running back De’Von Achane rushed 14 times for 67 yards in Week 9 on “Thursday Night Football,” but his team lost 28-6 to the Baltimore Ravens, further clouding the future of their current group.
Achane was already a player speculatively linked to the Texans before that loss.
Texans Floated as Trade Destination for Dolphins RB De’Von Achane
Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker suggested Achane for the Texans – and vice versa – noting the former 84th overall pick of the 2023 draft was toiling away in a situation that was spiraling before the Dolphins’ loss in Week 9.
Achane, who played his high school ball less than 20 minutes away from NRG Stadium, is also mired in a down season. However, his situation could be playing a significant part in that.
This Heavy Sports Texans trade pitch aims to bring Achane to Houston.
Texans get:
- De’Von Achane
Dolphins get:
- Dameon Pierce
- 2026 third-round pick
“Although there are several teams who could desire Achane, the Texans feel especially needy. Houston ranks 19th in team receiving grade, with Nico Collins (72.3) yet to hit his usual stride. Meanwhile, the Texans also sit 23rd in rushing grade by running backs this year while tying for the fewest first downs gained by backs,” Locker wrote on October 28.
“He’s an essential asset to Miami’s offensive foundation despite the uncertainty shrouding other positions. The 24-year-old would likely be expensive if he were to be traded, although that cost may be worth it for the Texans in a tight AFC South.”
Including Pierce would take an expiring contract off the Texans’ books, with Achane signed through 2026 on a four-year, $5.4 million contract.
The Texans have this week to finalize their trade deadline plan.
Texans Backfield Could Be Due for Shakeup
The Texans might not feel a trade for Achane is necessary, especially after finding a seemingly fitting split between starter Nick Chubb and rookie fourth-round draft pick Woody Marks. They also have Joe Mixon, but a foot injury has sidelined him this season with no timeline for a return.
Chubb and Marks combined for 118 yards, while the Texans’ 157 team rushing yards are their second-most of the season.
Achane is sixth in rushing yards, eighth in attempts, and 11th in yards per carry.
Locker warns that Achane has been less “effective” in 2025 than in years past, citing his PFF grades. Still, his per-game numbers have him on pace for the second-most-productive campaign of his career. He is also a dual threat with 43 catches for 274 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Texans rank 20th in team rushing yards heading into Week 9 against the Denver Broncos. Denver is 6-2 and ranks 10th at stopping the run.
The 2025 trade deadline is on November 4 at 4 p.m. ET.
The Texans target Achane, another option like New York Jets tailback Breece Hall, or stand pat. They are in a position to push for a Wild Card spot. A loss to the Broncos would decrease their chances, and it could impact their plans for the trade deadline, too.
Steelers Owner Growing Frustrated With Mike Tomlin
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of a two-game losing streak and their NFL's highest-paid defense is the biggest contributor to it. But it's not just their recent struggles that everyone is focused on, it's the lack of success for the last decade, and apparently, more than just the fans are growing frustrated.
The Steelers ended last season on a five-game losing streak that resulted in a first-round playoff exit in a 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. As the team went into the offseason, the message from head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan and team President Art Rooney II was all the same. They were frustrated and knew things needed to change.
At the beginning of the season, it looked like things were starting to. The Steelers started 4-1 with solid performances on both sides of the ball, and the offense was clicking behind Aaron Rodgers.
On the defensive side of the ball, the star-studded group of Jalen Ramsey, T.J. Watt and company were on fire.
But since then, the team has allowed over 30 points in back-to-back games and has fallen twice. They've allowed over 30 points in four of their seven outings this season.
Ownership is Now Growing Tired
In yet another downward spiral, it appears Rooney isn't pleased. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, there's a growing sense of frustration with the team's owner and their head coach's lack of success in recent years.
"Hello Gerry," a reader asked Dulac during his weekly chat. "Are you under the impression that Art Rooney II is angry with Coach Tomlin over the lack of playoff wins in the last decade. Or getting so little out of the highest paid defense in the NFL?”
"Angry is not the word,” Dulac replied. “Frustrated or impatient would be a better choice."
This doesn't mean the Steelers are moving on from Tomlin anytime soon. They just signed him to an extension over the offseason and are likely going to ride that contract out before making any major changes.
But it does feel like another poor ending to the season could put Tomlin on the hot seat for the first time in his career.
It's been eight years since the Steelers have won a playoff game, and at this point, it's a distain from fans about the team not having a losing season under Tomlin, but not being able to produce in the postseason.
Again, Rooney isn't going to make any rash decisions on Tomlin after 19 years together, and there's still plenty of season to go for the Steelers to turn things back around. If the ship sinks in 2025, though, it may be the beginning of the end, and Tomlin's clock may start ticking on how much time he has left to prove himself.
