The Release Deadline is here. This is a bittersweet time of year that usually reflects on the contrast of generations - The gap between the old and the new. While it is true that with every release comes the hope of fulfilled potential, letting go of certain players (usually former draft picks themselves) often be an unkind time for an owner. Sometimes it is a player that has simply passed their prime or has been dealing with too many injuries. Sometimes owners are forced to give in on a player of potential either because they never really panned out or because they need roster spots and may not have the flexibility to be patient. Of course sometimes a player is the result of a salary cap issue or maybe even overloaded position causality. Whatever the case releasing players before the deadline can be difficult, but the sun always rises and so does the hope of a future draft pick. This years Release Deadline will result in a total of 40 draft picks on August 5th - down two from a year ago and slightly below the all-time league average of 45 picks per season. Interesting to note that four teams released a Kicker, potentially leaving them with one on the roster (now legal based on a newly passed rule).

>> View all the 2011 Player Releases here
>> See updated Team Rosters here