The Giants entered NFL free agency with about $38 million in salary-cap space and knew they could easily inflate that total to $50 million or so with simple contract adjustments for Andrew Thomas and/or Dexter Lawrence, two players who signed megadeals last offseason.

The Giants knew what they wanted and, just as significantly, what they did not want. By all indications, after the comings and goings of the past few days, the Giants’ roster is stronger than it was when this process started.

How can a team that allowed running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney to walk out the door and sign elsewhere stand up and say it is better now than it was before? Those are two premium players.

On paper, the Giants appear to have done well for themselves. Looks can be deceiving, though.{ai:summary}<p>The Giants made strategic contract adjustments to beef up salary-cap space in free agency, ensuring a stronger roster. Despite losing key players like Barkley and McKinney, the team is confident in its improved lineup. #sports</p>

What the Giants tried to accomplish in the first week of free agency

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