What a difference a year makes. During free agency’s opening days in 2007, the New England Patriots were the big spenders, signing linebacker Adalius Thomas, tight end Kyle Brady, receiver Kelley Washington, running back Sammy Morris and trading for receiver Wes Welker.

Yesterday, with free agency 2008 getting under way, the Patriots’ news was more about who left the team.

Most notably, All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel struck it rich in Philadelphia, signing a six-year deal worth a reported $57 million. That includes $20 million in guarantees and an eye-popping $32 million over the first three years, which are the most important years of an NFL contract.

New England also announced that linebacker Tedy Bruschi, Washington and long snapper Lonie Paxton all had re-signed. Brady was released.

There was no word on wideouts Randy Moss or Jabar Gaffney.

Also, cornerback Randall Gay will begin his free-agency tour today in New Orleans.

Samuel arrived in Philadelphia late yesterday morning, and took part in an introductory news conference just before 5 p.m. — or less than 17 hours after the free-agency period began. Around that time, the Eagles’ Web site began taking orders on the cornerback’s No. 22 jersey.

The Eagles had only 11 interceptions last season and did not score a defensive touchdown. Samuel has a league-high 22 picks over the last three seasons, including six last year and a league-best 10 in 2006. In the ’06 postseason he returned two interceptions for scores.

“When you have an opportunity to get the best one in the business, then you need to look at that,” Philadelphia coach Andy Reid said during the news conference, adding that Samuel will be the team’s starting left corner, a position that had been held by two-time Pro Bowler Lito Sheppard, who is still with the team.

“I came here with an open mind,” Samuel said of the Eagles. “Everybody treated me like I belong here, like I’m wanted. It’s a great situation.”

Samuel was eagerly anticipating his first foray into free agency. He was scheduled to hit the market last March before New England tagged him as its franchise player. But the former fourth-round draft pick was unhappy with the idea that he might be retagged this year, and before officially rejoining the team toward the end of training camp, got the Pats to agree to an agreement that he would not be franchised again if the team won 12 games or if he played in 60 percent of the defensive snaps.

The release of Brady was something of a surprise. The 13-year veteran was signed to a two-year deal a year ago, but struggled with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue connecting the toes to the heel, during the season and received cortisone shots to help him with the pain. He also reportedly has a shoulder injury that may not have him ready for training camp.

Brought in as a blocking tight endafter Daniel Graham left in free agency last year, Brady played in 17 of New England’s 19 games and caught nine passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns.

News of Bruschi’s return for a 13th season was leaked on Thursday night, while Paxton apparently took a look around the market before deciding to return to New England.

With Donte Stallworth gone, Washington, who blossomed as a special-teams player last year, may see more snaps with the offense. He did not record a reception but had 18 special-teams tackles and the first blocked punt by a Pats player in eight years.

Gay, a Louisiana native, is scheduled to visit with the Saints today and Tampa Bay on Monday. It is believed he’s also drawn interest from the Jets and Lions. New York had Gay in for a visit last year, when he was a restricted free agent.

Also yesterday, New England tendered one-year contracts to exclusive-rights free agents Pierre Woods, Eric Alexander, Wesley Britt and Ray Ventrone. Both Woods and Alexander stand to play a larger role on defense this season. Woods was the team’s leading special-teams tackler last year.

smanza@projo.com