We’ve been staying in contact with the very busy John Clayton, ESPN's NFL insider, about the Giants' salary cap number.
Last week, the Giants were thought to be $11.3 million over the cap based on the full roster. But Mr. Clayton says the Giants are $6.1 million over the salary cap based on their top 51 players, the number which counts against the cap. The top 51 salaries are applied to the salary cap.
Clayton says that amount could be updated later with restricted free agent numbers. But it appears the Giants could get under the cap with just a few roster moves. For example, offensive lineman Shawn Andrews, who was good at left tackle when healthy but did have some back issues, will make $7.5 million this coming season. The Giants could also borrow up to $3 million per the new CBA. Here's a glimpse at some of the questions facing the Giants now that free agency is about to begin.
We’ll keep you posted if the Giants salary cap number changes. Here is also a look at the official list of Giants unrestricted free agents as listed on ESPN.com right now:
LB Keith Bulluck (11 yrs)
S Deon Grant (11 yrs)
WR Michael Clayton (7 yrs)
QB Jim Sorgi (7 yrs)
LB Chase Blackburn (6 yrs)
OL Kevin Boothe (5 yrs)
DT Barry Cofield (5 yrs)
WR Derek Hagan (5 yrs)
DE Mathias Kiwanuka (5 yrs)
LB Gerris Wilkinson (5 yrs)
TE Kevin Boss (4 yrs)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (4 yrs)
S Michael Johnson (4 yrs)
WR Steve Smith (4 yrs)
DE Dave Tollefson (4 yrs)