Club captain Paul Wotton is among five senior players set to leave Plymouth when their deals expire this summer.
The 30-year-old has played 439 games for Argyle, and captained his only club to two promotions in 2002 and 2004.
Striker Nick Chadwick, 25, will also be released, along with veterans Lilian Nalis and Lee Hodges.
Goalkeepers Luke McCormick and Romain Larrieu have signed extended deals, but full-back Paul Connolly is set to leave after refusing a new contract.
Youngsters Reuben Reid and Jake Moult are also set to depart after not being offered new deals.
"I have never worked with a more dedicated or honest footballer"
Speaking to the club's website, manager Paul Sturrock said his decision not to offer a new contract to Wotton was taken after a lot of soul-searching.
"He was in the first Argyle side I ever picked, for an FA Cup-tie at Chester in 2000, and the fact that he was the last-man standing from that team - eight years and three divisions later - speaks volumes for the man," said Sturrock.
"I can honestly say that I have never worked with a more dedicated or honest footballer. His commitment to his profession should be held up as an example to anyone who wants to play the game.
"I toyed with offering him a short-term contract, but, in the end, I felt that would have been an insult to someone who has played nearly 450 games for the club. I have too much respect for him to do that.
"He may prove my judgment wrong - and that wouldn't be a first for him - and come back to bite us on the bum, but managers are paid to make big calls, however tough, and I have made mine."
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