With the start of the NFL’s free agency signing period arriving next week, the Giants yesterday provided a stark reminder that player additions that look so good in the off-season can turn out rotten once the games begin.

Kick returner Brian Mitchell and running back Dorsey Levens, veterans signed a year ago to bolster a supposed playoff-ready roster, were released after extremely disappointing one-year stays with the Giants.

Even though the Giants were already under the 2004 salary cap of $80.6 million and thus did not need to cut players, they opted to jettison Mitchell and Levens. Obviously, after reviewing tape of last season’s performances, new coach Tom Coughlin did not see any need to give either player another shot at proving they have anything left to offer.

“It’s not a cap move, it’s a move forward,” GM Ernie Accorsi said. “Clubs have to make moves. It’s a new coaching staff, obviously we want to get some younger players in here.”

The Giants will save $510,000 by releasing Mitchell with two years left on his contract and save $660,000 by cutting Levens with one year remaining. Letting Levens go is a clear sign that Coughlin is adamant about giving Ron Dayne every opportunity to salvage his career. Bidding adieu to Mitchell assures that the Giants will draft a running back who can double as a return man.

Mitchell, in his 14th NFL season, was a bust, averaging 20.3 yards on kickoff returns (19th in the league) and a paltry 5.3 yards on punt returns

Levens was a strange case. He never earned the trust of Jim Fassel and remained inactive early in the season. Levens played sparingly in 11 games and finished with 197 rushing yards and a team-high three rushing touchdowns on 68 attempts. He also caught five passes for 39 yards.

Both Mitchell and Levens last season voiced their displeasure. Levens asked to be traded and Mitchell ripped Fassel for demoting him from punt returns.

The Giants also re-signed reserve defensive end Keith Washington, a free agent, to a three-year contract. Washington will receive a signing bonus of $350,000.