5 roster cuts rules you need to know and what they mean for the Lions

Player talent will drive most of those decisions, but there are also some very important NFL guidelines that will guide NFL general managers and coaches as they trim rosters to 53 players.

Here are four NFL rules you need to know, and how they may impact Detroit Lions roster cuts this year.

When a player is cut, they are either "released" or "waived," depending on how long they've been in the NFL. If a player has four accrued seasons in the NFL, they are released. If they haven't been in the league that length of time, they get waived.