gridironheroics.com

Jeff Hafley Reveals the Problem Behind Packers’ Modest Sack Production at edge

Jeff Hafley speaks about his goals for the Green Bay Packers in 2024.

Jeff Hafley Reveals the Problem Behind Packers' Modest Sack Production at EDGE 1

Jeff Hafley is not worried about the lack of career sacks from Robert Beal Jr. and Malik Herring. The Miami Dolphins head coach said the team was simply trying to add the best available players at EDGE, a position where proven pass rushers are rarely sitting around in free agency.

Beal and Herring have combined for just 2.5 career sacks, which naturally raised questions about whether the Dolphins prioritized run defense and physicality over getting to the quarterback. Hafley pushed back on that idea while explaining why the Dolphins ended up with the two veterans.

Jeff Hafley Explains Why Miami Dolphins Settled for Limited EDGE Production

Jun 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley speaks during the press conference for mini camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Isabella Frias-Imagn ImagesJun 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley speaks during the press conference for mini camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Isabella Frias-Imagn Images

Hafley said the Dolphins’ approach was not about targeting players who could only stop the run. The Dolphins wanted the best ends they could find, however, the reality of the market made finding a proven double-digit sack rusher difficult.

“We (were) looking to get the best players possible. Not many EDGE rushers pop up and become available if they are 12+ sack guys. There aren’t many of them in free agency, maybe if you have a high pick.”

Jeff Hafley on Robert Beal Jr. & Malik Herring modest career sack numbers

"We (were) looking to get the best players possible. Not many EDGE rushers pop up and become available if they are 12+ sack guys. There aren't many of them in free agency, maybe if you have a high pick." pic.twitter.com/rie6XPq3q7

— The List – Dolphins Podcast (@TheListFinsPod) September 11, 2026

That helps to explain the decision to bring in Beal and Herring despite their modest sack totals. Herring has played 28 games over four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and has recorded 1.5 sacks while taking 450 defensive snaps. Beal has one sack across 25 games with the San Francisco 49ers, along with 291 defensive snaps over three seasons.

Neither player is coming to Miami with a track record of consistently producing sacks. Hafley, though, pointed to other parts of their games. That will be important for the Dolphins, especially with the team entering Hafley’s first season as head coach. They are looking for production from a group that has undergone changes, and the EDGE depth behind the top options will be part of that equation.

Herring also brings a different body type to the position. At 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds, he is built more like a power player than a pure speed rusher. Beal, meanwhile, is 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds.

Hafley’s comments suggest Miami is not expecting either player to suddenly become a 12-sack star; however, the Dolphins were working with the options available and wanted players who could give them effort, physicality, and versatility along the front.

The bigger question will be whether that approach can translate into enough pressure once the regular season begins. Sacks is only one part of the equation; however, the Dolphins will need their EDGE group to create problems for opposing quarterbacks if the defense is going to take a step forward under Hafley.

For now, Hafley appears comfortable with the players Miami brought in. Their sack numbers may not jump off the page, but the Dolphins clearly believe there is more to their value than the career totals suggest.