With inflated contracts and bloated signing bonuses sprouting up throughout the league, the Giants have stuck to their oft-stated goal of using the NFL’s free-agency signing period as a way to bolster their roster through cost-effective moves.

Thus far, the Giants have added a starting linebacker in Carlos Emmons and presumably a starting defensive tackle (Fred Robbins) and center (Shaun O’Hara). The total bonus money for all three comes to $10.5 million. By contrast, the Redskins gave talented but injury-prone cornerback Shawn Springs a bonus of $10 million.

“I think they’ve escalated more than they ever have before,” GM Ernie Accorsi said of the rise in contracts. “I think this is the most money anybody’s ever spent, I think it’s the highest year. It’s a frenzy.”

The wish list for the Giants includes a third safety, third cornerback and a veteran offensive tackle. Rich Coady, the former Rams safety, is due in later this week for a visit.

The Giants are also attempting to extend the contracts of Kerry Collins and Amani Toomer, which would free up addition salary-cap room for the 2004 season. Collins, entering the final year of his deal, stands to count $8.95 million against the cap and Toomer, with two years remaining, will count $6.6 million.