The decision by the New York Giants to allow All-Pro safety Landon Collins to become a free agent this week came with a few silver linings. Very few, as it turns out.

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The Giants will save $11.15 million in salary cap space and many were projecting they would possibly be in line to receive a third-round compensatory draft choice in return, as well.

Unfortunately, the compensatory draft formula isn’t an exact science. It’s based on players signed versus players lost in free agency. The Giants are likely to sign several big-ticket free agents this offseason but Collins’ loss may not be enough to offset that to the tune of a third-round pick, which is the highest for compensatory selections.

From Over the Cap.com:

Landon Collins is the leading name among three starting defensive backs with expiring contracts—the other two being Curtis Riley and BW Webb. Beyond that, there’s not many pending UFAs of note, but there’s enough of them that Giants fans could reap some comp picks for those they let walk if they choose to take it easy in unrestricted free agency this time around. Potential: Moderate

The Giants are likely to re-sign some of their own UFAs. Defensive end Kerry Wynn, right guard Jamon Brown and wide receiver/special teamer Cody Latimer are three they will likely look to bring back, price permitting.

If not signed, they will all go towards the equation as they will surely wind up on other NFL rosters as will several others; Zak DeOssie, Russel Shepard, Mario Edwards, Josh Mauro and Curtis Riley.