10 players the Dolphins must address this off-season

Sep 28, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) celebrates after an interception against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Raiders 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins can get well under the salary cap this year with a few moves. There are 10 players the Dolphins will need to look at heading into the off-season.

Whether by contract restructure, re-signing, or outright release or trade, the Dolphins must address several players on their roster in order to get not just below this upcoming cap projection of $154 million but to give a new coach spending money to get the players on the roster that he wants.

Some of the moves that need to be made fall well into the category of “no-brainer” but some will be hard business decisions that will not leave the fan base happy. It’s a tightrope that will have to be navigated well enough to get the Dolphins competitive while at the same time not depleting a team that lacks deep talent.

Perhaps the biggest question of all is who will be the person making these decisions? No part of me believes that Dennis Hickey will be that person. I firmly believe that he will be gone at season’s end. Mike Tannenbaum is a logical choice but if Tannenbaum elevates to full control over the roster, then the next head coach will be a “yes” man and likely nothing more. Of course there is also the head coach.

Very few head coaching candidates will warrant or deserve full control over their roster. A handful will and if they are responsible for this roster then the decisions on these 10 players will fall into their hands.

Here is a look at ten players that need immediate address once the season concludes and the league new year begins. Most if not all will not have their futures determined until late February.

Next: Number 10