The offseason for 2017 is underway, and so far the Miami Dolphins have been one of the quietest teams in the NFL.

Miami hasn't made any significant roster moves to date. Vice president Mike Tannenbaum, general manager Chris Grier and head coach Adam Gase said recently the team will be patient and thorough in its approach, but surely the time will come over the next few weeks when the Dolphins must make important decisions on who stays and who goes for next season.

With that said, Miami has an opportunity to create nearly $17 million in cap space by making several moves. Here is potential blueprint:

Move No. 1: Cut Mario Williams

Cap savings: $8.5 million

Analysis: Williams, who signed a two-year, $17 million contract last season, was Miami's biggest disappointment in 2016. Williams was expected to replace 2015 sack leader Olivier Vernon but finished with a career-low 1.5 sacks. Williams battled a couple injuries, but that wasn't enough of an excuse for his poor play. Williams just didn't have the motor he once did and was blocked too easily for a former Pro Bowl player. It's a no-brainer for Miami to get out of this contract and save $8.5 million. That money could be much better spent in other areas.

Odds of happening: 100 percent

Move No. 2: Cut LB Koa Misi

Cap savings: $4.2 million

Analysis: Misi has missed 21 games in the past three seasons. He hasn't played a full 16 games since his rookie season in 2010. Misi is too injury prone at this point of his career for Miami to count on him as a starting outside linebacker, especially at $4.2 million next season. The Dolphins' linebacking group is due for a major makeover and this likely will be one of the important changes.

Odds of happening: 95 percent

Move No. 3: Cut DT Earl Mitchell

Cap savings: $4 million

Analysis: Mitchell is a good presence in the locker room and can be a solid rotational player when healthy. But, like Misi, Mitchell has been in and out of the lineup too often to be counted on at a starter-type salary. Mitchell has missed 11 games the past two seasons. It's possible the Dolphins could ask Mitchell to restructure and take a pay cut.

Odds of happening: 75 percent

It remains to be seen if Miami makes some -- or all -- of these decisions over the next few weeks. The Dolphins already look solid heading into the offseason with cap space.

But with several players such as Pro Bowl receiver Jarvis Landry, safety Reshad Jones and receiver Kenny Stills looking for sizable contract extensions from Miami this offseason, the more cap room the better.