The Toronto Raptors not only re-branded their franchise this offseason, but they also retooled their roster, earning them a favorable grade in free agency.

After being eliminated by the Washington Wizards in the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs, the Raptors entered free agency knowing that an upgraded roster was needed if they wanted to solidify themselves as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. As soon as the free agency period opened back on July 1, Raptors representatives, including general manager Masai Ujiri, put on the full-court press to sign one of the market’s hottest names in DeMarre Carroll.

Having bounced around the league during his first four seasons, Carroll finally found a home with the Atlanta Hawks in 2013. During his two seasons with the Hawks, Carroll transformed himself from a bench player to a legitimate starter. Last year while the Hawks were the Eastern Conference’s top team record-wise, Carroll became one of the team’s most reliable players. During their playoff run, Carroll was not only the Hawks’ best perimeter defenders, but he was also their third leading scorer.

By signing Carroll to a four-year $60 million deal, the Raptors are clearly looking to improve on their perimeter defense – arguably their biggest weakness last season. With many talented perimeter players in the Eastern Conference, including LeBron James, this is an area that the Raptors could not continue to ignore. Along with his perimeter defense, Carroll also gives the Raptors an above-average 3-point shooter – something that will be a great compliment to the likes of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

Although it was their most high-profiled, the signing of Carroll was not the Raptors’ only free agent move. Along with adding a new starting forward, the Raptors also added a backup guard in Cory Joseph. A 23-year-old point guard, Joseph spent the first four seasons of his career with the San Antonio Spurs.

Spending his time there as the backup to Tony Parker, Joseph – a Toronto native – will assume the same role with the Raptors. After losing the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams in free agency and trading away Greivis Vasquez on draft night to the Milwaukee Bucks, Joseph will serve as the team’s third guard.

As the team’s primary backup guard, Joseph will not bring much offense to the Raptors’ lineup outside of pushing the tempo. But for what he lacks in offense, Joseph will make up for on the defensive end. During the 2014-15 season, Joseph ranked as one of the best at his position in defensive real plus-minus.

With the dust now all but settled on NBA free agency, the Raptors are unlikely to make any more significant moves. But with the signings of both Carroll and Joseph, the Raptors have definitely made strides in improving their roster. While neither of these players were one of the absolute top players available this offseason, they will have a significant impact for the reigning Atlantic Division Champions.

Grade: B+

Greg Sacidor is a Feature Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Greg_Sacidor or add him to your network on Google.